Is Peter Obi a ‘Political Traveller’ Gifted a Presidential Ticket? Why Labour Party VP Candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed Is Challenging Obi’s ADC Move and Declaring His Own 2027 Ambition

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has launched a pointed political broadside that appears directed at his former principal, Peter Obi, following Obi’s decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. Without naming him directly, Baba-Ahmed described Obi and other defecting politicians as “political travellers” who were “gifted a presidential ticket,” igniting fresh debate over loyalty, leadership, and the future of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of 2027.

Speaking while declaring his intention to run for president, Baba-Ahmed insisted that he remains firmly within the Labour Party (LP), arguing that the party already “won a presidential election” and still represents a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political blocs. He dismissed the ADC coalition as a gathering of “disgruntled politicians” who failed to properly challenge alleged constitutional breaches in the 2023 elections, questioning whether such alliances truly offer reform or merely recycle old power structures.

At the heart of his message was a bold economic promise: Baba-Ahmed said that by June 2027, salaries of public servants—especially security personnel and teachers—would be quadrupled, insisting that “Nigeria can afford it.” He framed this pledge as a moral obligation to workers often overlooked despite their critical role in national stability and development.

Positioning himself as a political outlier, Baba-Ahmed challenged rivals to produce “just one” major presidential aspirant who has never belonged to a ruling party. “I am that one,” he declared, stressing his independence and rejecting what he described as opportunistic movement between power centres. He added that he has no intention of joining any ruling party—except one he hopes to lead through the ballot.

The former LP vice-presidential candidate also pushed back against claims that defections are weakening the Labour Party, saying neither he nor the party is responsible. According to him, individuals welcomed into LP in 2022 “with a presidential ticket” merely continued their political journey elsewhere. He urged supporters to “use the truth” amid what he called increasingly hostile online narratives.

Recounting political history, Baba-Ahmed asserted that he aspired to the presidency before Peter Obi, citing events from 2018 when he contested in the PDP primaries and personally sought Obi’s support. While he spoke respectfully of Obi’s character, the implication was clear: leadership ambition, he argued, did not originate with his former running mate.

Baba-Ahmed also highlighted Labour Party’s achievements despite financial constraints and what he termed “an era of perfected electoral fraud,” pointing to the party’s electoral gains—one state governor, eight senators, and around 40 House of Representatives members—as proof of its growing national footprint.

The controversy now raises pressing political questions: Is Peter Obi abandoning the movement that propelled him in 2023? Does the ADC coalition represent a genuine opposition realignment or a gathering of familiar political actors? And can Datti Baba-Ahmed’s pledge of economic reform, party loyalty, and outsider status reshape Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race? As realignments continue, the Labour Party faces a defining moment over identity, leadership, and the path forward in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

ADC Coalition Criticizes Tinubu Over NNPC Legacy Debt Cancellation, Calls Move Unconstitutional and Harmful to States

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s approval to cancel legacy debts owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to the Federation Account. The party described the move as unconstitutional, arguing that it undermines subnational governments by erasing longstanding public liabilities without legislative approval.

According to ADC, the cancellation involved about $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion in legacy NNPC debts, including obligations from production sharing contracts, domestic supply obligations, and royalty receivables. The coalition warned that the executive directive overrode constitutional provisions that require all Federation revenues to be paid into the account for distribution among federal, state, and local governments.

ADC accused the President of repeated constitutional violations and expressed concern over apparent inaction by the National Assembly. The party emphasized that any unilateral cancellation reducing revenues due to states and local governments is unconstitutional, asserting that Nigeria must operate as “a nation of laws, not of men.”

ADC Coalition Crisis Deepens: Nafiu Bala-Led Faction Suspends Ex-Chairman Ralph Nwosu and 14 Others, Declares Rival Congresses Illegal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is embroiled in a leadership crisis as the Nafiu Bala-led faction suspended 15 members, including ex-National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, for six months over alleged anti-party activities. The faction also declared ongoing congresses organised by rival elements across the country illegal. In addition, the Bala-led leadership made several new appointments, including Leke Abejide as Chairman of the Board of Patrons and Bala Sani as Chief of Staff. The move intensifies the ongoing dispute with the rival David Mark-led faction, which had recently ratified the expulsion of Abejide.

ADC Coalition Slams Tinubu: You Deceive Nigerians With 'Increased Revenue' But Keep Borrowing

PDP Zoning: Obi Must Be Wary Of ADC, Adibe Warns

Political analyst Prof. Jideofor Adibe has cautioned presidential hopeful Peter Obi to tread carefully in his dealings with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, stressing that the party’s zoning stance for 2027 remains uncertain.

Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Adibe noted that while both the PDP and APC have zoned their 2027 presidential tickets to the South, the ADC is yet to decide — leaving room for northern aspirants like Atiku Abubakar to push for the slot.

Atiku, a key ADC coalition member, has declared interest in running, a move seen as a direct challenge to southern contenders such as Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi.

“If I were Obi, I would be extremely suspicious,” Adibe said, describing the political game as a “chess match” where vigilance and strategic foresight are essential.

He added that Obi is known for “not thinking on the surface” and likely has contingency plans, but warned that in the coming months the motives behind PDP’s zoning decision would become clearer.

The professor maintained that the unfolding scenario is a power struggle that could either strengthen or derail Obi’s 2027 ambition.

#Politics #PeterObi #PDP #ADC #2027Elections

2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians, Says Baba-Ahmed, Declares Loyalty To Obi

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition as a deception, insisting it cannot rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his loyalty to Peter Obi and declared willingness to be his running mate again in the 2027 presidential election.

“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” he said.

Obi, who has signaled interest in the 2027 race, has recently engaged with ADC coalition figures including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.

Baba-Ahmed, however, maintained that his political future is tied to Obi, noting, “There are two individuals I would deputise. The first has not said anything. The second is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to.”

#PeterObi #DattiBabaAhmed #NigeriaPolitics2027

EFCC Summons Key ADC Coalition Leaders as 2027 Politics Heats Up.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned key leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition for questioning, in a move that has sparked unease within the opposition bloc preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The development came to public attention on Monday following the detention of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, a figure within the coalition.

Tambuwal, who governed Sokoto from 2015 to 2023, was questioned over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion.

The withdrawals, it is understood are suspected to have violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. An EFCC source disclosed that Tambuwal arrived at the EFCC’s Abuja headquarters at about 11:30 a.m. and was taken in for interrogation by investigators.

“Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of ₦189 billion,” the source said. “The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. The governor arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters around 11:30 a.m. and faced interrogators on the alleged financial crime.”

Another EFCC official, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that Tambuwal remained in custody as of Monday evening.

Meanwhile, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed that three former governors, who are also leaders within the coalition, had been invited by the anti-graft agency. Although he did not disclose their names, Abdullahi alleged the move was politically motivated.

“Yes, they have summoned our members, but I won’t give you names,” he said. “There are three of them, former governors. Some are already members of the National Assembly, while others are not. Some left office in 2023, and some even earlier than that. This is an attempt to force them to leave the coalition, or to intimidate them into not taking an active part in it. But we are determined to rescue Nigeria.”

Datti Baba-Ahmed Questions ADC Coalition Backed by Atiku, Obi
Labour Party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, says he’s still trying to understand the African Democratic Congress (ADC) despite its adoption by a new coalition supported by Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. Speaking on Channels TV, he stressed Labour Party’s unique achievements and hinted at ongoing reconciliation within the party, while uncertainty remains over Obi’s political direction.

#DattiBabaAhmed #ADC #PeterObi #NigeriaPolitics

BREAKING NEWS: Another Leader of Kaduna State PDP, Hon Sunusi Magaji Kudan, has officially resigned from PDP and pitched his tent with the ADC coalition.

BREAKING NEWS: DG of Progressive Governors Forum and Former APC Deputy National Chairman, North, Dr Salihu Lukman, has resigned his membership from APC and declared for ADC coalition.

Peter Obi cannot risk going back to PDP – ADC warns.

Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesman for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, cannot “take the risk” of returning to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

According to him, Obi is part of the ADC coalition.

Abdullahi stated this on Monday while appearing on Arise TV’s Prime Time.

He was reacting to questions about the PDP wooing Obi to return to the party.

“Let me say clearly, Peter Obi is in the coalition,” Abdullahi said.

“Regardless of what anybody is saying. But it is good to see that it has taken the coming on board of ADC, to get PDP to begin to make some movements.

“But everyone knows the jugular of the PDP is in the hands of the ruling party.

“Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP.”

Bindow Dumps PDP, Joins ADC in Adamawa Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Adamawa State Governor and ex-senator Mohammed Umaru Bindow Jibrilla has officially defected from the PDP and registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Mubi North LGA.

The move signals Bindow’s full transition into the rising ADC coalition, as the party gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With high-profile figures like Atiku Abubakar and Senator Aisha Binani also aligning with ADC, the political landscape in Adamawa is shifting rapidly.

#BindowJoinsADC #AdamawaPolitics #PoliticalRealignment #2027Elections #PDPToADC

COALITION: "YOU CAN'T SERVE TWO MASTERS"- BODE GEORGE BLASTS ATIKU, MARK, OTHERS.

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has lambasted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and several other party chieftains involved in the opposition coalition formed under the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

George made the remarks on Friday while featuring on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme.

The elder statesman cautioned Atiku and other PDP members who have yet to formally renounce their membership of the party, despite aligning with the ADC coalition, that they cannot serve two masters.

“You can’t serve two masters, as stated in the Holy Book. You either serve A or you serve B. But to say you are in A and B is a fallacy,” he said.

The former military governor of Ondo State accused ADC Chairman David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of being among the architects of the crisis that has rocked the PDP.

According to him, the ADC coalition cannot become as formidable an opposition platform as the PDP because it lacks both strategy and concept.

“It is nothing but existential imbecility. Or sometimes what is called existential docility. What is it that they are all going there?”

“This is your father’s house. The house made you, brought you to the limelight. You gained every laurel and recognition from this same house. And because there is a little crisis, is leaving the cultural thing to do? No, you sit there.

“If you have a house that is leaking, do you run out? No, you are the landlord. Do they have a concept? What is the strategy they have? That is a classless strategy,” he said.

PETER OBI ISSUED A 48-HOUR ULTIMATUM TO RESIGN FROM LABOUR PARTY.

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to resign from the party following his involvement in a new opposition coalition.

In a statement on Thursday, Obiora Ifoh, LP spokesperson, reiterated the party’s rejection of the newly formed coalition, describing it as a gathering of “recycled, desperate and frustrated politicians”.

“Former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Gregory Obi has received a 48 hour ultimatum to formally resign his membership of the Labour Party having formally joined the coalition party,” the statement reads.

On Thursday, Obi said the decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party chosen by the opposition coalition, was not taken lightly.

He was also present at the unveiling of the ADC coalition in Abuja. Ifoh alleged that Obi had been holding secret meetings with some of its members to woo them into joining the coalition.

“We are aware of several nocturnal meetings between Peter Obi and some of our members, lobbying them to join him in his new party. We’re also aware that a number of them have refused to defect with him,” he said.

“Labour Party has consistently said it is not part of the coalition, and therefore, any of our members who are part of the coalition are given 48 hours to formally resign their membership of the party.

“Labour Party is not available for people with dual agenda, people with deceptive persona. The party will not avail itself to individuals who have one leg in one party and another leg elsewhere.

“People who, in the morning, claim to be in the Labour Party and in the evening are in the coalition.

“Nearly 70 percent of the Nigerian population are youths who are tired of the old order, tired of gerontocrats deciding their fate. The new Nigeria that the youths are dreaming of is not what can be realised from what we are seeing in the coalition.”

“These people are opportunistic politicians who are only interested in relaunching themselves into the circle of power — people who are desperate to continue holding on to power.”

The spokesperson added that the LP remains committed to Nigeria’s renewal, urging members to stay loyal and maintain the party’s structure.

Peter Obi, Atiku, Other Opposition Politicians Gather in Abuja for The Unveiling of ADC.

Prominent Nigerian opposition politicians are currently meeting at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for a media conference convened by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Among the high-profile attendees are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-senator Dino Melaye. Others present include Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports; media personality Dele Momodu; former senator Gabriel Suswam; and Ireti Kingibe, a serving Labour Party senator.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha were also spotted at the event.

The gathering brings together political figures from various parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

David Mark, former Senate President, led a delegation of coalition members into the venue as the event got underway. Also in attendance are former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who currently serves as interim national chairman of the ADC, and former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

The event was initially scheduled to hold at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Asokoro, Abuja. However, organisers received a last-minute cancellation from the hotel management, citing an “internal compliance matter,” according to a screenshot shared on Instagram by Dele Momodu. Following the setback, the ADC coalition quickly relocated the event to the Yar’Adua Centre.