Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has explained the reason behind his earlier recommendation that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi should work with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2023 general election. Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Baba-Ahmed said his position at the time was driven by the desire to strengthen opposition forces and build a more formidable political alternative capable of challenging the ruling establishment.
Reflecting on the political developments that followed, Baba-Ahmed admitted that his understanding of the dynamics between the key political figures was incomplete when he made the suggestion. According to him, “When I advised Obi to work with Kwankwaso, I did not fully understand their composition,” noting that coalition-building in politics involves deeper considerations beyond common goals, including trust, shared understanding, and the ability to manage differences.
The former senator further emphasized that his remarks were not intended as criticism of any individual but rather a reflection on lessons learned through political engagement. He stressed the importance of internal party stability, dialogue, and principled leadership, maintaining that political actors must continue to work toward strengthening democracy and improving governance for the benefit of Nigerians.
