Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed that his decision to run alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was driven largely by “sympathy” following alleged rejections Obi faced from three prominent politicians.

Baba-Ahmed made the revelation during a recent interview, where he explained that Obi had initially sought alliances with other political figures ahead of the 2023 polls but was unsuccessful.

According to him, the development influenced his eventual decision to accept the vice-presidential slot under the Labour Party.

He said the circumstances surrounding Obi’s failed attempts to secure partnerships were well known within political circles, though he declined to name the individuals involved.

Baba-Ahmed described his support as a “volunteer sacrifice,” emphasizing that his involvement in the ticket was rooted more in principle than political ambition.

The former senator noted that many Nigerians misunderstood the basis of his alliance with Obi, stressing that his stance at the time was shaped by concern over what he viewed as unfair political isolation of the former Anambra State governor.

His comments come amid shifting alliances within Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general election. Baba-Ahmed has since distanced himself from Obi’s current political moves and maintains that he is not bound to follow him into any future coalition or party arrangement.

The Obi-Datti ticket was a major highlight of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, drawing widespread support, particularly among young voters, and significantly raising the profile of the Labour Party despite losing to incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

Political observers say Baba-Ahmed’s latest remarks may further underscore ongoing divisions within the opposition as realignments intensify in the lead-up to the next election cycle.