In a recent interview on Symfoni TV, Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), revealed that he personally advised his running mate, Peter Obi, to form a political alliance with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as early as January 2024.

A Strategy for Long-Term Opposition

Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his counsel was rooted in the need for strategic, long-term political planning rather than reactive, short-term decision-making. Following the 2023 general election, he noted a lack of a definitive roadmap for the opposition, prompting him to advocate for a broader coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I tracked him and asked him, ‘What is your plan going forward?’ When I didn’t get a clear plan, I said, ‘If you don’t have a plan, sir, work with Kwankwaso,” Baba-Ahmed recounted.

The former VP candidate underscored that President Bola Tinubu’s path to the presidency was the result of sustained political organization over 16 years. He argued that the opposition must adopt a similar mindset of coalition-building and rigorous strategic planning to be competitive in future electoral cycles.

Commitment Amid Internal Strife

Despite the well-documented internal disagreements that have rocked the Labour Party, Baba-Ahmed affirmed his continued political support for Peter Obi. He positioned himself as a committed ally focused on helping Obi navigate the intricacies of Nigeria's complex political landscape. His public disclosure highlights the ongoing discussions behind the scenes regarding how major opposition figures might consolidate their support bases to create a more formidable political force.