ADC Counters Datti Baba-Ahmed, Says His Remarks on Opposition Coalition Are Baseless, Personal
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly dismissed recent comments by Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, describing his criticisms of its opposition coalition as “personal opinions” that do not reflect the true state of political developments.
Baba-Ahmed, who contested as the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 general election, had earlier in the week taken a swipe at the coalition during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He alleged that those behind the alliance were “deceiving Nigerians” and insisted that Obi should remain in the Labour Party, even declaring his willingness to run again as Obi’s deputy in 2027.
The ADC, however, reacted swiftly. In a statement issued by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, the party described Baba-Ahmed’s remarks as misleading and inaccurate.
It stressed that the coalition was a product of wide consultations among top political leaders and not an individual agenda.
“The claims made by Senator Baba-Ahmed are strictly his personal views and should not be mistaken as facts. The coalition project remains a collective vision to build a united front that will deliver credible leadership and restore confidence in Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read in part.
The party further explained that its opposition bloc is designed to bring together leaders across political divides who are committed to rescuing the country from its current economic and governance challenges. It listed among its coalition partners former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and Peter Obi, noting that talks are ongoing to create a broad platform that transcends partisan boundaries.
While maintaining that it respects Baba-Ahmed’s role in Nigeria’s political space, the ADC noted that his criticisms do not diminish the resolve of its members and allies to pursue a new path for the country.
“We recognise Senator Baba-Ahmed as a respected voice, but his statement is only a personal opinion. Our focus remains on uniting credible leaders who can provide Nigeria with competent, compassionate, and transparent governance,” the statement added.
The development has drawn attention to the growing contest within opposition ranks over strategy and direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Baba-Ahmed’s loyalty to Obi and the Labour Party signals one path, while the ADC’s coalition—bringing together figures from multiple political parties—presents another.
Analysts say the next phase of opposition politics will largely depend on whether leaders like Obi, Atiku, and others can agree on a common platform or whether multiple camps will emerge, potentially splitting the opposition vote.
As the 2027 race continues to take shape, the ADC insists that its coalition is the best hope for Nigerians yearning for change, while Baba-Ahmed maintains that Labour Party under Obi remains his preferred platform for national rescue.
