Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, said his decision to run alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was largely driven by sympathy after three prominent politicians allegedly declined to partner with the former Anambra State governor.
Baba-Ahmed made the remarks during an interview on Symfoni, where he explained that Obi had approached three major political figures in 2021 and 2022 in efforts to build alliances ahead of the election, but was reportedly turned down each time.
According to him, the refusals influenced his emotional response to Obi’s political situation and contributed to his decision to accept the vice-presidential slot on the Labour Party ticket.
“They thought I followed Peter Obi. Now, people don’t understand that between me and Obi, there’s a great deal of sympathy. I have sympathy for him. And this sympathy was at the core of our relationship,” he said.
He added that he felt disappointed that the alleged overtures to other politicians did not succeed, saying it shaped his perception of the 2023 race.
When he approached three other major politicians in 2021, they avoided him. I would have been glad if in 2022 one of them went with Peter Obi. But they all avoided him,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed said his concern was not only personal but also tied to his view of Nigeria’s broader political environment, which he described as discouraging for coalition-building.
“I felt bad for him. I felt bad for Nigeria as a nation. You know the reasons, I know the reasons, we don’t have to say them now,” he stated.
He explained that his involvement in Obi’s campaign was consistent with his long-standing belief in public service and volunteerism for national interest.
“And I took it upon myself, because naturally I’ve always been a volunteer for the sake of Nigeria. I extended that sympathy,” he said.
However, Baba-Ahmed stressed that his decision to run with Obi should not be interpreted as permanent political alignment, noting that he remains independent in his political choices.
And he decided to move. Now, with due respect, he does not own my politics. He does not own me. I am independent,” he said.
He also criticised Obi’s recent political moves amid party disputes, arguing that internal party challenges exist across all political platforms and should be addressed rather than avoided.
Baba-Ahmed, however, declined to name the three politicians he said rejected Obi’s overtures, stating only that their decisions influenced his involvement in the Labour Party ticket.
