‘It Is Unlikely Peter Obi Will Secure ADC Presidential Ticket’

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Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, has raised doubts about Peter Obi’s ability to secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. Speaking on Trust TV, he pointed to internal power dynamics and competing ambitions within the party as major obstacles.

“I think it is very unlikely that Peter Obi will secure the ticket. If he does, I will be happy for him,” Baba-Ahmed said, highlighting the stiff competition Obi faces from several high-profile aspirants within the ADC.

Baba-Ahmed further addressed speculation about Obi accepting a vice-presidential role if offered. He emphasized that such a decision rests solely with Obi, and he considers it improbable. “He did not travel the world to prepare for the presidency only to return and run as a deputy,” he explained.

He also cited other prominent politicians who, in his view, would similarly decline a deputy position, reinforcing the notion that top figures aim to win on their own terms: “Atiku will not accept a vice-presidential slot. Amaechi may not accept it. Peter Obi will not accept it. They all aim to win on their own terms.”

Reflecting on historical political strategy, Baba-Ahmed referenced the 2015 elections, when APC leaders rallied behind the late Muhammadu Buhari, supported by Bola Tinubu’s strategic planning. He noted, “In 2015, they had Buhari, and they had Bola Tinubu, who told everyone: ‘if you are joining us, be ready for Buhari to win.’ They supported him in the primaries, assumed power, and Tinubu executed a 16-year strategic plan — something no other Nigerian politician has managed.”

Baba-Ahmed added that while he is not praising Tinubu personally, the episode underscores the importance of unity and shared vision in achieving political goals.

Commentary

Baba-Ahmed’s observations underscore the difficulty of navigating Nigeria’s multiparty system, even for high-profile figures like Obi. His insights reveal how internal party dynamics, historical alliances, and strategic planning often dictate political outcomes more than individual popularity. Analysts note that this pattern suggests the ADC will face significant challenges consolidating a clear frontrunner for 2027, potentially shaping coalition-building and electoral strategies.

The former LP candidate’s statements also indicate that political ambition among Nigeria’s elite is rarely tempered by compromise; instead, victory is pursued through calculated, independent campaigns. For Obi and other emerging leaders, this reality implies that securing the presidency will require not just personal credibility but strategic alignment with broader party dynamics.