Reject VP Slot in 2027 Coalition, Datti Counsels Obi

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former running mate to Peter Obi, has advised the former Anambra State governor against accepting the vice-presidential slot in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.

According to Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s impressive performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he garnered over 10 million votes, warrants him the presidential ticket, not the vice-presidential position.

Baba-Ahmed revealed that the three major contenders for the coalition’s presidential ticket are Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi. He emphasized that Obi should not settle for a secondary role, given his significant electoral support.

The former vice-presidential candidate also challenged the notion that a merger of opposition forces is necessary to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He cited the Labour Party’s strong performance in 2023 as evidence that the opposition can succeed without forming alliances.

Baba-Ahmed stressed the importance of securing and protecting votes at the ballot box, rather than relying solely on elite political alliances. He noted that the real coalition needed is one of votes, protected from polling units to the final declaration stage.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has announced his defection to the ADC coalition, following its official unveiling. Baba-Ahmed, however, clarified that he remains a committed member of the Labour Party, despite attending the coalition’s meetings.