Datti Baba-Ahmed, vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has questioned claims that Peter Obi defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the former Anambra governor only aligned with a coalition and did not formally leave the LP.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said Obi’s public comments did not amount to an explicit declaration of defection.
“It will be good if everyone listens to Peter Obi’s comments at Enugu. He mentioned joining the coalition. I don’t believe I heard him say defection to the ADC,” he said.
“I did not hear that; maybe I missed it, but please find out if he said joining the coalition or the ADC.”
The former senator also called on the Labour Party leadership to clarify whether Obi had completed the statutory requirements for leaving the party.
“It is also good if you find out from Labour Party leadership if His Excellency Peter Obi has submitted a resignation letter and returned his card as required by law,” Baba-Ahmed said.
In December 2025, Obi publicly joined the ADC at a political event in Enugu, where he invited members of other opposition parties to join what he described as a political family committed to “rescuing” Nigeria from poor leadership.
Despite the apparent political divergence, Baba-Ahmed said his relationship with Obi remains cordial and open.
“I also said if Peter Obi does not get the ticket there in ADC, he is more than welcome back to the Labour Party,” he said.
“I will stand there, and nobody will do anything bad to Peter Obi. It is better for him to come back than for him to do another type of agenda.”
On his own political ambitions, Baba-Ahmed said he is open to running for president but has not made a formal declaration.
“Categorically yes,” he said when asked about his interest, adding:
“I never declared to contest for presidency; I simply reiterated my membership in the Labour Party, even though there could be a possibility for that happening.
“I clearly stated that one will have to wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party to make the call.”
Baba-Ahmed also called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to step aside ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that a generational shift in leadership is necessary.
