Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has said it is unlikely that Northern voters will fully rally behind Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In a fresh interview, Baba-Ahmed said
“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around OK. That is my personal opinion’
Speaking on recent political developments, Baba-Ahmed reacted to the formal move by Obi and Kwankwaso to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), which took place on Sunday.
“I did say that I feel guilty because I was the one who told Peter Obi on the 31st of January 2024 in John Woods hotel, after asking him a few things, and 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 to approach them” he said
According to him, he had earlier advised Obi to begin consultations and alliances with Kwankwaso and other opposition figures as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
“If in 2024 you cannot plan 2027, I’m sorry, I cannot continue to be with you. So they are going together now with Kwankwaso, it’s my idea. Do you understand? Will it work? I think it’s a big question. We’ll wait and see.”
His comments come amid growing discussions about possible opposition coalitions and political realignments aimed at challenging the ruling party in the next general election.
The development has continued to generate debate among political observers, especially regarding the level of support potential opposition alliances may attract across different regions of the country.
“Someone who got Labour Party ticket so easily, should have stayed to fix the problems of Labour Party however difficult they were.
I stood and I earned the wrath of many because I said ‘come and reconcile’ in Labour Party.
Only for me to hear, to read it, and to even view it in the news. Here’s my former leader, my boss who I believe in, saying wherever there is a quarrel, he will walk away. So, there is a quarrel in Nigeria, you will walk away? These are things that don’t add up.” he said