I joined Obi’s presidential ticket out of sympathy, says Baba-Ahmed

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that sympathy for Peter Obi and concern over the state of the nation influenced his decision to accept the party’s vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 election.

Baba-Ahmed made the disclosure during an interview with Symfoni, portions of which circulated online on Wednesday.

According to the former senator, Obi had approached three prominent politicians before offering him the vice-presidential slot, but they declined to join the ticket.

He said his decision to accept the offer was driven by compassion for both Obi and Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed said: “They thought I would follow Peter Obi.

“Now, people don’t understand that between me and Obi, there’s a great deal of sympathy.

“I have sympathy for him.”

He added: “When he approached three other major politicians in 2021, they avoided him. 

“I would have been glad if, in 2022, one of them went with Peter Obi. 

“But they all avoided him. 

“I felt bad for him. 

“I felt bad for Nigeria as a nation… I took it upon myself because, naturally, I’ve always been a volunteer for the sake of Nigeria. 

“I extended that sympathy.”

The former vice-presidential candidate, who left the Labour Party for the Peoples Redemption Party in May 2026, also stressed that his political future is independent of Obi’s decisions.

Baba-Ahmed said: “They thought I would follow Peter Obi. 

“But I had given enough sympathy there… With due respect, he does not own my politics. 

“He does not own me. 

“I am independent.”

He also questioned Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party, arguing that internal party disputes should not necessarily lead to defection.

According to him, challenges similar to those cited within the Labour Party could emerge in any political platform.

He said: “I mean, if (Julius) Aburi was a problem, what makes him think the David Mark of ADC will not be a problem?”

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Baba-Ahmed added: “What makes him think the chairman of Seriake (Senator Seriake Dickson) of NDC will not be a problem?

“So, it’s the same thing wherever you go.

“Stay here and fix this problem. Now, let’s work together.”

Reflecting on Obi’s departure from the Labour Party, he reiterated his independence from the former presidential candidate.

He said: “And he decided to move. Now, with due respect, he does not own my politics. He does not own me. I am independent.”

The comments mark one of Baba-Ahmed’s clearest public distinctions from his former running mate since both men exited the Labour Party and pursued separate political paths.

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