Datti Baba-Ahmed Explains Reasons for Accepting Obi’s Running Mate Role in 2023

Datti Baba-Ahmed Explains Reasons for Accepting Obi’s Running Mate Role in 2023
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‎By Edison Ukachukwu
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‎E-ISSN: 2354-4481
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‎Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that his decision to accept the party’s vice-presidential nomination ahead of the 2023 general election was influenced largely by his concern for Nigeria’s future and his personal sympathy for Peter Obi’s political circumstances.
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‎Baba-Ahmed made the remarks during an interview with media platform Symfoni, excerpts of which were captured in a video that circulated widely on Wednesday.
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‎According to the former vice-presidential candidate, Obi had previously approached several prominent political figures to join him on the presidential ticket, but those efforts did not yield positive responses.
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‎Reflecting on the period, Baba-Ahmed said he felt compelled to support the Labour Party candidate because he was concerned for both Obi and the country. He described his decision as a voluntary contribution aimed at advancing Nigeria’s democratic development.
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‎“They thought I would follow Peter Obi. Now, people don’t understand that between Obi and me, there’s a great deal of sympathy. I have sympathy for him,” Baba-Ahmed said.
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‎He further stated that after observing the difficulties Obi encountered in securing a running mate, he decided to offer his support. According to him, his intervention was motivated by a desire to contribute positively to Nigeria’s political future.
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‎Baba-Ahmed, who left the Labour Party for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in May 2026, also used the interview to clarify his current political position and relationship with his former running mate.
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‎He stressed that while he supported Obi during the 2023 election campaign, he remains politically independent and retains the right to make decisions based on his convictions and political principles.
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‎“With due respect, he does not own my politics. He does not own me. I am independent,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
‎The former senator also commented on Obi’s departure from the Labour Party. Obi had cited internal challenges within the party as a major factor behind his decision to leave.
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‎However, Baba-Ahmed argued that internal disputes are common across political organisations and should not necessarily serve as sufficient grounds for abandoning a party.
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‎Drawing comparisons with leadership structures in other political parties, he suggested that political actors should focus on resolving internal disagreements rather than seeking alternatives elsewhere.
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‎He maintained that political challenges are not unique to any particular party and emphasized the importance of collective efforts to strengthen political institutions and democratic processes.