Three politicians rejected Obi’s running mate offer in 2023, says Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has claimed that three prominent politicians declined an offer to serve as running mate to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2023 general election.

Mr Baba-Ahmed said his eventual decision to join Obi on the party’s presidential ticket was largely driven by sympathy for the former Anambra State governor after the rejections.

Speaking during an interview with Symfoni, the former senator said many Nigerians had misunderstood the nature of his relationship with Obi.

Although he did not disclose the identities of the politicians involved, Baba-Ahmed expressed disappointment over their refusal to partner with Obi at the time.

He also dismissed assumptions that he would automatically align with Obi in any future political movement, including a possible defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to him, while he supported Obi’s presidential bid in 2023, he remains politically independent and is under no obligation to follow the former Labour Party candidate’s political decisions.

“They thought I would follow Peter Obi. People don’t understand that between me and Peter Obi, I have a great deal of sympathy for him. That sympathy was at the core of our relationship. People find it difficult to understand me,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“When Peter Obi approached three major politicians in 2022, they avoided him. I would have been glad if one of them had agreed to go with him. They all avoided him.

“I felt bad for him and for Nigeria as a nation. You and I know the reason, and I don’t have to say it now.”

He said his decision to accept the vice-presidential slot was informed by a longstanding commitment to national service.

“I took it upon myself because naturally I have always been a volunteer for Nigeria,” he added.

Addressing speculation about his future political alignment, Baba-Ahmed insisted that his support for Obi in 2023 should not be interpreted as permanent political loyalty.

“They thought I would follow Peter Obi to the ADC, but I had given enough sympathy then. Obi does not own me. I own my independence,” he said.

His comments come amid growing political realignments and speculation over the future plans of key opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.