2027: ‘I advised Peter Obi to work with Kwankwaso’ – Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former Labour Party vice‑presidential candidate Datti Baba‑Ahmed says he personally advised Peter Obi to collaborate with former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso well before the two men’s potential alliance became public.

In an interview with Symfoni TV, Baba‑Ahmed explained that he encouraged Obi to broaden his political partnerships as part of a strategy to strengthen the opposition in upcoming elections.

He noted that the conversation took place in January 2024, shortly after the 2023 presidential election.

“I tracked him and asked him, ‘What is your plan going forward?’ When I didn’t get a clear plan, I said, ‘If you don’t have a plan, sir, work with Kwankwaso,’” Baba‑Ahmed disclosed.

According to the former vice‑presidential candidate, his recommendation was based on the view that defeating the ruling APC would require long‑term organization, coalition‑building and strategic planning.

The Kaduna‑born politician stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s rise to power was not accidental but the result of years of political organization.

“Tinubu organised for 16 years. You cannot be planning from day to day or week to week,” he said.

Baba‑Ahmed added that even after disagreements emerged within the Labour Party, he continued to support Obi politically and remained committed to helping him navigate the country’s complex political landscape.