Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, recently shared his perspective on the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Highlighting the coalition’s composition, Baba-Ahmed pointed out that it features heavyweight politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Senate President David Mark, along with several former governors all harboring presidential ambitions.
In a discussion with Trust TV, the 55-year-old lawmaker noted that unlike past political movements led by unifying figures like Bola Tinubu who once set aside his ambitions to back Atiku in 2007 or Muhammadu Buhari, who successfully united the APC’s broad support in 2015, the ADC currently lacks a clear, central leader.
“The coalition has an abundance of talent and resources, but it’s also weighed down by competing ambitions. These need to be balanced and managed carefully,” Baba-Ahmed remarked.
He clarified that his comments were not intended as criticism but stressed that the coalition has yet to present a clear, effective strategy to challenge President Tinubu’s incumbency.
“To defeat an incumbent like Tinubu, playing it safe won’t work. Victory demands bold, unconventional tactics,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned the coalition against nominating Atiku Abubakar as their candidate, arguing that the ruling APC is well-prepared to counter him.
“If Atiku runs, the APC will know exactly how to respond. While we will support him if he emerges as the candidate, the coalition needs a contender who is unpredictable and difficult for opponents to strategize against that’s the key to winning elections,” he explained.
Finally, he advised the ADC to avoid rallying behind a single leader by default, as the APC did with Buhari in 2015, suggesting a more dynamic approach is necessary.
Advertisement
