Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed that his decision to accept the vice-presidential slot alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was motivated largely by sympathy for Obi and concern for Nigeria, rather than political or ideological alignment.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni, excerpts of which surfaced on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed revealed that Obi had initially approached three prominent politicians to serve as his running mate, but all reportedly declined the offer.
According to him, witnessing Obi’s difficulty in securing a vice-presidential candidate and reflecting on the country’s challenges influenced his decision to join the ticket.
“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,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
He explained that after several politicians turned down Obi’s overtures, he felt a personal responsibility to step forward in what he described as a service to the nation.
“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,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed, who left the Labour Party for the Peoples Redemption Party in May 2026, also addressed speculation about his political future and relationship with Obi.
While acknowledging their partnership during the 2023 elections, he stressed that Obi does not determine his political choices.
“With due respect, he does not own my politics. He does not own me. I am independent,” he said.
The former vice-presidential candidate further criticised Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party, arguing that internal disagreements within a political party are not sufficient grounds for defection.
Referring to challenges Obi allegedly cited within the party, Baba-Ahmed questioned whether similar issues would not arise in any other political platform.
“I mean, if Julius Abure was a problem, what makes him think the David Mark of ADC will not be a problem? What makes him think the chairman 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,” he said.
He maintained that Obi’s decision to pursue a different political path did not impose any obligation on him to do likewise, reiterating his independence and commitment to making his own political decisions.
“And he decided to move. Now, with due respect, he does not own my politics. He does not own me. I am independent,” Baba-Ahmed added.