Peter Obi left his comfort zone against my advice — Datti Baba-Ahmed
Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, stated that Obi departed from his political “comfort zone” contrary to Baba-Ahmed’s advice as the 2027 election approaches.
In an interview with the MIC ON Podcast, Baba-Ahmed responded to questions regarding his evolving perspective on Obi since their campaign last year. He revealed that he specifically advised Obi against aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasizing that the party would not be a suitable platform for his political aspirations.
“I went to the Yar’Adua Centre ahead of him and called him aside,” Baba-Ahmed explained. He noted that there was concern among those present about their private conversation.
During this discussion, Baba-Ahmed clearly articulated his reservations to Obi, insisting that the ADC was not aligned with his political goals. “I told him, ‘This is the last time I’m coming to this place. I gave him my reasons. This is not a place for you.’ Was I wrong? I was proven right,” he said, referencing Obi’s eventual exit from the ADC.
Baba-Ahmed cited Obi’s departure from the party within four months as validation of his concerns. He also expressed discomfort with what he described as contradictions in Obi’s political conduct, saying, “I don’t like people who contradict themselves.”
While Baba-Ahmed refrained from criticizing Obi’s political maneuvering further, he acknowledged that he could not assist Obi in remaining within the Labour Party once his advice was disregarded. “Peter Obi moved out of his comfort zone against my advice. Beyond that point, I could no longer help him,” he stated.
In the 2023 general election, Obi and Baba-Ahmed, candidates for the Labour Party, finished third, trailing Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
