News
No one owns me; I am an independent politician — Datti Baba-Ahmed knocks Obi
Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has defended his decision to leave the party for the Peoples Redemption Party, insisting that his political choices remain independent of former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Obi under the Labour Party platform in the 2023 general elections, said his refusal to follow Obi into a broader opposition coalition was driven by principle and a belief that internal party disputes should be resolved rather than abandoned.
Speaking on the Naija Unfiltered podcast, he said many people expected him to automatically align with Obi’s new political direction, but he chose otherwise after careful consideration of the Labour Party’s internal challenges.
“They thought I would follow Peter Obi, but I had given enough sympathy then and I thought as a leader, what he should do then is to solve the problem out,” he said.
He questioned the logic of abandoning one political structure due to internal crises only to join another that could face similar instability.
“If Abure was a problem, what makes him think the Nwosu or the David Mark of the ADC will not be a problem? … It’s the same thing wherever you go. Stay here and fix the problem,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed also stressed his independence within Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape, stating clearly that his political identity is not tied to Obi.
“With due respect, Peter Obi does not own my politics, he does not own me. I am independent,” he said.
He further explained that his decision not to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was based on personal conviction and political reasoning, which he said he had communicated directly to Obi.
Baba-Ahmed’s exit comes amid continued restructuring within opposition parties as political figures reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His move to the PRP further highlights widening differences within the opposition bloc that emerged strongly in 2023, particularly over strategy, leadership structure, and coalition politics.
Follow Us on Google Discover
2027: Tinubu must be stopped, ‘even Buhari saw him as bad news’ — Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
APC sweeps all 21 chairmanship seats, 239 Councillorship positions in Kogi LG poll
‘₦29,000 Cannot sustain a retired officer’ — Atiku challenges Tinubu on police pensions, proposes initiative
FG ends 17-year blackout in Gombe community with 1MW solar mini-grid
EPL: Leeds hold Man Utd to 1-1 draw as pressure mounts on Carrick
DSS arrests of NYSC kidnappers, Faisal Maina: Why intelligence must take centre stage: by Olufemi Lawson
SSANU halts two-week strike ultimatum after FG’s intervention
Catholic priest dies after Jesus’ statue falls on him during mass in Ecuador (video)
2027: NDC will never step down for Atiku, stop attacking us – Kwankwaso replies ADC Campaign Council
I fear APC’s internal crisis more than Atiku – Shettima
Why Shettima Insults Atiku: by Farooq Kperogi
Messi’s double fires Inter Miami to 3-1 victory over Atlanta United
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
La Liga: Unstoppable Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-2 to extend winning run
EPL: Super Eagles star Iwobi fires Fulham to first league victory
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Opposition will front a single candidate against Tinubu, announcement will be made few days to election – Lukman
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
Veteran Journalist, diplomat Dele Cole dies at 86
Gunmen kill four vigilantes in Plateau community
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
Suspended NSCDC commandant apologises over deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
Ogun hospital under fire as Nurse dies of asthma attack amid alleged oxygen failure
Buhari backed Osinbajo’s presidential ambition four times, Akande tells Babachir Lawal
Macky Sall quits race for UN Secretary-General position
