2027: Why I said Obi, Atiku lack capacity to fix Nigeria — Baba-Ahmed
Former VP Candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed Critiques Obi and Atiku’s Capabilities for 2027 Election
Former Labour Party Vice-Presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has recently clarified his critical remarks regarding the capacities of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar to improve Nigeria if elected President in 2027.
Baba-Ahmed stated that his comments were intended to promote fairness in the political landscape, asserting he did not wish to give an undue advantage to any of President Bola Tinubu’s significant challengers by calling for Tinubu to step down.
He made the clarification during an appearance on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, responding to backlash from an interview conducted with broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye where he suggested Tinubu should step aside. In that interview, Baba-Ahmed claimed that none of the candidates vying to replace Tinubu possess the necessary qualifications to enhance Nigeria’s situation.
When asked whether his critique included Obi, his former running mate, Baba-Ahmed confirmed, saying, “Yes, including Peter Obi.”
In explaining his position further, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the importance of maintaining a level playing field among major contenders. He stated, “I will not disadvantage Uncle (Tinubu) to unnecessarily promote Baba Atiku and Peter Obi, because we have to be fair in life, and that’s what I stand for.” He argued that asking Tinubu to resign while simultaneously endorsing opposition candidates would constitute an unfair boost to certain contenders.
“Who is the key opponent? The major opponent, Tinubu, Shettima ticket, and promote the Atiku ticket, which I’m not there, or the Obi ticket that I’m not there,” Baba-Ahmed said. “One has to be fair in life, and that’s what happened.”
Baba-Ahmed remarked that his critique arose not from a premeditated agenda but as an inevitable topic during his discussion with Okinbaloye. “It was not what I went to discuss with Seun, but Seun found a way of bringing that topic and insisting, including Peter Obi,” he stated.
Despite the backlash, Baba-Ahmed affirmed that he still supports Obi, whom he recognizes as a significant political ally. He rejected the notion that his comments signified a withdrawal of support. “What I have done to support Peter Obi, I can repeat it,” he said. “Peter Obi knows I stood for him. I still stand by him, and it is regretful those moves he made. But it is his choice.”
Furthermore, he dispelled rumors that Obi had distanced himself from him, noting that he had expressed concerns about Obi’s political strategies as early as January 2024. “Now they keep saying that he dropped me. He didn’t drop me,” Baba-Ahmed said. “On 31st of January, 2024, I told him, sir, I need you to have a plan, and you don’t have it. At least I haven’t heard from you.”
Baba-Ahmed also expressed his deep respect for Atiku, referring to the former vice-president as a father figure and noting that his comments were not meant to undermine Atiku’s standing. “Between me and Atiku, it’s much, much, much respect,” he said, adding that he personally views Atiku as a paternal influence.
