Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that sympathy for Peter Obi and concern over Nigeria’s condition were the major reasons he accepted the party’s vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general election.
Speaking during a recent interview, Baba-Ahmed said Obi had approached three prominent politicians before the election, but all declined to join his presidential bid. According to him, the situation prompted him to step in and support Obi in what he described as a voluntary effort to serve Nigeria.
He explained that his decision was not driven solely by political ideology but by a sense of responsibility and compassion for both Obi and the country.
Baba-Ahmed, who defected from the Labour Party to the Peoples Redemption Party in May 2026, also stressed that his political future remains independent of Obi’s.
The former senator maintained that while he supported Obi during the 2023 election, the former Anambra State governor does not control his political decisions.
He further criticised Obi’s decision to leave Labour Party over internal disputes, arguing that challenges within political parties are common and should be addressed rather than used as grounds for defection.
According to Baba-Ahmed, political leaders should remain within their parties and work collectively to resolve internal crises instead of seeking alternatives elsewhere.
