Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has openly criticized his former running mate, Peter Obi, saying he should reconsider contesting the 2027 presidential election if he is not prepared for political battles.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Baba-Ahmed reacted to Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party amid ongoing internal disputes, describing the move as disappointing.
“If you are not ready to fight, stay in your house,” he said.
He argued that Obi, having emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, had a responsibility to remain and address the challenges within the party rather than step away.
“As much as I dislike what the All Progressives Congress has done against Nigerians, someone who got the Labour Party’s ticket should have stayed to fix the problem of the party, no matter how difficult it is,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed also questioned Obi’s broader political approach, suggesting that walking away from conflicts could raise concerns about leadership in a complex environment like Nigeria.
“My former leader saying that wherever there is a quarrel, he will walk away? So there is a quarrel in Nigeria, will he walk away?” he said.
He further expressed doubt about Obi’s chances of securing strong support from northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election, noting that the region may not rally behind him.
According to Baba-Ahmed, he had earlier advised Obi to begin building strategic alliances well ahead of the next election cycle. He revealed that, as early as January 31, 2024, he recommended engaging key political figures, including Rabiu Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai.
He stressed that early coalition building is a critical part of political preparation, adding that failure to take proactive steps raises questions about readiness for a national campaign.
While maintaining that his comments reflect his personal views, Baba-Ahmed noted that he still keeps relationships across the political spectrum.
Peter Obi had earlier exited the Labour Party following the 2023 election and also confirmed his departure from the African Democratic Congress, citing internal disagreements.
