Former Labour Party (LP) Vice Presidential Candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has raised concerns about the chances of Peter Obi gaining strong backing from Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that he shared his view during an interview on Symfoni TV, where he said it is unlikely that the region would come together in support of Obi.
He made it clear that his position is his personal opinion, while also stating that he still maintains a good relationship and respect for major political figures involved.
Datti revealed that he had earlier advised Obi to start building alliances long before the next election cycle. He said that on January 31, 2024, he urged Obi to reach out to key northern politicians, including Rabiu Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai, as part of early preparations for 2027.
According to him, planning ahead is important in politics, and failure to do so years before an election raises concerns about readiness. He added that his continued involvement would depend on clear long-term strategy.
Datti also spoke about Obi’s current political direction, noting his growing closeness with Kwankwaso. However, he questioned whether such an alliance would succeed, saying its outcome remains uncertain and can only be judged with time.
He further criticized Obi’s handling of issues within the Labour Party, stating that a candidate who secured the party’s ticket should have remained to address its internal problems instead of stepping away.
He said: “I try as much as possible to avoid mentioning names at this stage, but it is very unlikely that the North will rally around Obi. This is my personal opinion, and I still have an excellent relationship and much respect for key political figures.
“I told him, ‘Your Excellency, from this point, there is Rabiu Kwankwaso, there is Nasir El-Rufai, I will like to suggest that you approach them.’ If in 2024 you cannot plan 2027, I am sorry I can’t continue to be with you. Will it work? It’s a big question. We’ll wait and see. Someone who got the Labour Party ticket should have stayed and fixed the problems.”
