Datti Baba-Ahmed, a Labour Party presidential running mate in the 2023 election, has thrown his weight behind a Southern presidency come 2027. Mr Baba-Ahmed, however, revealed that he had not come to terms with the African Democratic Congress coalition recently adopted by key opposition figures, including Peter Obi.

Mr Obi and several other prominent politicians are seeking to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview aired on Channels TV on Wednesday, Mr Baba-Ahmed stated that he could not provide much information about the ideology and philosophy of the coalition.

“Quite frankly, I’m still trying to understand ADC,” the politician said. “ADC was recently taunted by the coalition as the party adopted. So I can’t tell you much about the coalition party because I’m still overwhelmed with efforts to re-energise and refocus my Labour Party.”

The Labour Party chieftain, however, advised Nigerians against believing in the ruling APC, stating the party had failed Nigerians.

“Words of wisdom or advice: never believe whatever APC says,” Mr Baba-Ahmed said.

The former lawmaker maintained that he had no objection to power remaining in the South, emphasising the principles of equity and fairness. 

He said, “I have no objection as I welcome the power to still remain in the South. That’s why, if you recall, I aspired to the presidency in 2019, and in 2023, I served as a running mate to Peter Obi. Before then, I had tried to contest the governorship position in Kaduna, and I quit.”

Mr Baba-Ahmed’s comments came two days after the politician attended the National Executive Committee meeting of the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party in Abuja amid the internal crisis rocking the opposition party.

The politician expressed readiness to reconcile Mr Obi and other disgruntled stakeholders to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 polls, saying defectors were oblivious of the party’s history.