ADC Coalition Full of Ambitions, Lacks Direction for 2027, Says Datti Baba-Ahmed

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed cautious support for the emerging opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while warning that the alliance is filled with ambitions but lacks a coherent direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a political gathering in Abuja, Datti maintained that he has not left the Labour Party but is willing to work with any credible platform committed to democratic values and national progress.

However, he criticized the coalition’s current approach, suggesting it risks failure if it continues to prioritize political ambition over a clear national agenda.

“Ambition without direction is dangerous,” Datti said. “This coalition is full of people who want power, but they haven’t clearly told Nigerians what they will do differently. We can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes or fall into Tinubu’s political trap.”

He warned against drawing misleading inspiration from the success of the APC merger in 2015, which brought Muhammadu Buhari to power, noting that the circumstances today are significantly different. He added that the coalition must learn from history rather than try to copy it blindly.

Datti also called for the zoning of the presidential ticket to the South, stating that equity and fairness must guide political arrangements if Nigeria is to remain united.

“It is only fair that the South produces the next president in 2027. We must balance our politics if we want national stability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum and ex-aide to President Bola Tinubu, also criticized the ADC-led opposition coalition, describing it as “self-serving and visionless.”

According to him, the group is driven by recycled politicians lacking fresh ideas or the capacity to inspire the electorate.

“What we are seeing is not a popular movement; it’s a collection of political figures who want to be relevant. They must understand that Nigerians are looking for leadership, not recycled ambition,” Hakeem stated.

He urged opposition leaders to step back and allow younger, more innovative minds to take the lead. He also called for the coalition to define a shared agenda, warning that disunity and internal contradictions could destroy any hope of electoral success in 2027.

As the race toward 2027 intensifies, multiple opposition parties including the ADC, Labour Party, and factions of the PDP have been exploring ways to form a united front. However, unresolved issues around leadership structure, regional balance, and ideological clarity continue to pose serious challenges.

For now, the coalition appears energetic but fragmented. Political observers suggest that without a clear plan and inclusive leadership, it may not present a serious threat to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.