By Abigail David
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that his decision to run alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was driven by sympathy rather than political alignment.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni, Baba-Ahmed said Obi had approached three prominent politicians before selecting him as a running mate, but all declined the offer. According to him, he felt compassion for Obi and concern about Nigeria’s situation, prompting him to accept the position.
He explained that he volunteered to support the ticket because he believed it was in the country’s interest, describing himself as someone who has always stepped forward when he felt Nigeria needed help.
Baba-Ahmed also stressed that his political relationship with Obi had limits, insisting that the former Anambra governor does not determine his political future.
“With due respect, he does not own my politics. He does not own me. I am independent,” he said.
The former senator, who left the Labour Party for the Peoples Redemption Party in May 2026, used the interview to distance himself from Obi’s recent political moves.
He argued that internal crises within the Labour Party were not sufficient grounds for leaving the party, questioning whether similar leadership challenges could not emerge in any other political platform.
Baba-Ahmed maintained that political actors should remain and address internal party disputes rather than move elsewhere, adding that Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party was his personal choice.
The remarks offer fresh insight into the relationship between the two politicians, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform and finished third in the race.
