Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that he was the one who advised Peter Obi to consider a political alliance with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an interview with Punch, Baba-Ahmed admitted that he now feels “guilty” over the suggestion, saying he failed to fully consider the political realities surrounding such an alliance.
According to him, the idea was first discussed during a meeting with Obi on January 31, 2024, at JohnWood Hotel.
“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around the O-K ticket. And this is my personal opinion. I still have an excellent relationship and much respect for both of them,” he said.
“I did say that I feel guilty because I was the one who told Peter Obi to run with him on the 31st of January 2024 at JohnWood Hotel.”
Baba-Ahmed explained that after discussions with Obi, he advised the former Anambra State governor to approach key northern political figures, including Kwankwaso and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
“After asking him a few things, I told him, ‘Your Excellency, from this point, there is Kwankwaso, there is El-Rufai, there’s another person. I would like to suggest you approach them,’” he stated.
The former lawmaker stressed the importance of long-term political planning, noting that successful political projects require years of preparation.
“The business that I do now, which started around 2011, I was planning it as far back as 1996. If in 2024, you cannot plan ahead of 2027, I’m sorry, I cannot continue to be with you,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed, however, questioned the viability of an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, particularly in northern Nigeria, citing political ambition, regional influence and power-sharing concerns.
“Will it work? I think it’s a big question. We just have to wait and see. However, remember, why didn’t we get Kwankwaso to support Peter Obi in 2023? What changed between 2023 and 2026?” he asked.
He further argued that supporters in Kano may find it difficult to accept Kwankwaso in a subordinate role on a joint ticket.
“How will Kano think that their champion, who has serially wanted to be the president, is now going to serve as deputy?” Baba-Ahmed queried.
Despite his reservations, he maintained that he still holds Obi in high regard, while insisting that political alliances must reflect realities on the ground to succeed.
