Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has explained his recent comments about presidential contenders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election.
Baba-Ahmed had earlier sparked reactions after stating that none of the presidential candidates challenging President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated the capacity to improve Nigeria.
However, speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, he clarified that his comments were based on what he described as fairness to all major contenders in the 2027 race.
According to him, he would not call on President Tinubu to step down while simultaneously promoting Obi or Atiku, as doing so would amount to giving some candidates an unfair advantage.
“In the way 2027 elections are, I will not disadvantage Uncle (Tinubu). I will not disadvantage him to unnecessarily promote Baba Atiku and Peter Obi and others, because we have to be fair in life, and that’s what I stand for,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed explained that his comments were not intended to undermine either Obi or Atiku, stressing that he simply wanted to maintain what he considered a level playing field.
He also revealed that the issue was not the main subject of his interview but was raised after interviewer Seun Okinbaloye repeatedly questioned him about Peter Obi.
‘I Still Stand By Peter Obi’
Despite his controversial remarks, Baba-Ahmed dismissed suggestions that he had abandoned his former presidential running mate.
He said he remained proud of the support he had given Obi and was still standing by him, although he expressed regret over some of Obi’s political decisions.
“What I have done to support Peter Obi, I can repeat it. Peter Obi knows I stood for him. I still stand by him, and it is regretful those moves he made. But it is his choice,” he stated.
Baba-Ahmed also rejected claims that Obi had dropped him politically, revealing that he had warned the former Anambra State governor about the need to have a clear political plan as far back as January 2024.
What He Said About Atiku
On Atiku Abubakar, Baba-Ahmed maintained that he has tremendous respect for the former vice president.
He described Atiku as a father figure and stressed that his comments were never intended to disrespect or undermine him.
“Between me and Atiku, it’s much, much, much respect. In fact, I was able to remind him that I personally see you as like a father figure,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed’s latest clarification comes as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition figures and parties weighing different strategies for the contest.
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