Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition as misleading, stressing his continued allegiance to the Labour Party.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Baba-Ahmed was asked about his views on the ADC coalition.
He replied bluntly: “They are deceiving us.”
He further distanced himself from the group, insisting, “I am a Labour Party man, for God’s sake. I am Peter Obi’s man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest in 2027.”
Baba-Ahmed also criticized the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing the need for credibility and competence ahead of the 2027 elections.
He accused the commission of subverting constitutional provisions during the 2023 presidential election and argued that electoral fraud remains the primary cause of Nigeria’s national crises.
“Not somebody who clearly read what the constitution provides—25 per cent in at least two-thirds of states of the Federation and the FCT—but went ahead to breach it and put Nigeria in what it is today.
“The electoral fraud is right now the most important fact to be addressed in our nation, even beyond insecurity. Insecurity is derived from electoral fraud.
“Corruption is aggravated by the kind of electoral fraud that we have,” he stated.
The ADC, however, dismissed Baba-Ahmed’s comments as personal opinions that do not represent the party’s stance.
In a statement signed by Jackie Wayas, the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, the ADC reaffirmed its commitment to uniting opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement highlighted the coalition’s composition, which includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mr. Peter Obi.
According to the ADC, these leaders came together after extensive consultations, prioritizing national interest above partisan divides to provide competent and compassionate leadership.
The party also recalled that Peter Obi, a key figure within the coalition, had publicly endorsed the ADC as a platform for the 2027 elections.
Obi had stressed that no single group can transform Nigeria alone and called for unity in dismantling structures that perpetuate poverty and insecurity, insisting that a new Nigeria is possible.
Wayas emphasized that Senator Baba-Ahmed’s remarks were his own and not reflective of the coalition’s position.
“Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed’s assertions are his personal opinions and do not reflect the position of the ADC or its coalition partners,” the statement read.
Acknowledging Baba-Ahmed’s contributions to national discourse, the ADC urged him to consider joining the coalition to strengthen its collective efforts.
“Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed is a respected voice who has always stood for integrity and justice.
“Since the coalition is a collective effort that requires the strength and skills of all patriots, we sincerely hope he comes on board to contribute to this shared vision for a better Nigeria,” Wayas added.
The statement concluded with a call to Nigerians to support unity and clarity in the pursuit of national progress: “Nigerians deserve clarity and unity in the pursuit of a better future. Let us rally behind the ADC and rescue Nigeria.”