Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed says he acts on his own convictions and will not be bound by Peter Obi’s political choices.
He made the comments on the Naija Unfiltered podcast while explaining why he joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) instead of following Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“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.”
Baba-Ahmed said internal party disputes should be fixed from within rather than abandoned.
“If Abure was a problem, what makes him think the Nwosu or the David Mark of the ADC will not be a problem?”
He argued that party switching does not remove structural challenges and warned similar issues could appear in any party.
“It’s the same thing wherever you go. Stay here and fix the problem; let’s work together, and he decided to move.”
Independence And Political Choices
Baba-Ahmed stressed that his political decisions are independent of Obi’s moves.
“With due respect, Peter Obi does not own my politics, he does not own me. I am independent.”
He added that Obi understood his reasons for staying out of the ADC.
“I have different reasons for joining you. If you want to move, go ahead. I gave my cogent and logical reason for not joining the ADC.”
The former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate joined the PRP as political alignments shift ahead of the 2027 elections.
Naija News reports that Obi has since joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and become its presidential candidate.
Donald Duke And PRP Prospects
On Donald Duke, who recently joined the PRP, Baba-Ahmed praised the former Cross River governor’s leadership and potential.
“If you have Donald Duke as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria will turn around immediately for good. He is an excellent leader, an excellent material.”
He contrasted Duke’s record with past administrations and warned against allowing prolonged single-party dominance.
Baba-Ahmed acknowledged rumours that Duke could top the PRP ticket with him as running mate, but he spoke mainly about principles and unity rather than his personal ambition.
‘INEC That Announces A Result At 4 Am Is A Criminal’
The former LP vice-presidential candidate also said Nigerians should not ignore the circumstances surrounding the declaration of the result.
He stated, “I keep saying, and I sometimes I wonder, we Nigerians, why do we just take everything to pass?
“How can an INEC chairman promise African leaders, including Nelson Mandela’s younger brother, Thabo Mbeki, that he would announce the election result by 9 am but sneaked and did the announcement by 4 am?”
Baba-Ahmed said an electoral body that announces results at such an hour should be questioned.
He further stated, “Isn’t this person a thief? Isn’t he a crook to announce results by 4 a.m.? This is wrong.
“Look, you’re a Nigerian. I’m a Nigerian. Well, I know I did my part. I tried to stop it, but it has passed.”
He also criticised President Bola Tinubu for leading a government that emerged from the process.
Baba-Ahmed said, “And how can you shamelessly be leading a government that was announced at 4 a.m.? Who works at 4 am? Criminals!
“The INEC that announces a result at 4am is a criminal INEC. Believe me.”
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