Datti Knew Peter Obi Was a Packaged Fraud — Sowore Alleges

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed of knowing that Peter Obi was a “packaged fraud” while serving as his running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

Sowore made the allegation while reacting to comments by Baba-Ahmed during a recent podcast interview, in which the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s running mate questioned the capacity of Obi, Atiku Abubakar and other opposition politicians to deliver meaningful change in Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed had also recalled advising Obi against leaving the Labour Party and joining the African Democratic Congress, saying Obi had moved outside his comfort zone despite his counsel.

Reacting to the remarks, Sowore said Baba-Ahmed’s comments had confirmed what he claimed to have known about the Labour Party presidential ticket during the 2023 election.

He alleged that Baba-Ahmed knew Obi closely and therefore could not now distance himself from criticisms of the former Anambra State governor.

Sowore also revisited the 2023 presidential campaign, claiming he had observed Baba-Ahmed interacting warmly with President Bola Tinubu during the signing of the presidential election peace accord.

According to Sowore, he had publicly expressed his suspicion at the time that some opposition politicians were effectively working in Tinubu’s interest. He argued that subsequent political developments had strengthened his position.

The AAC candidate used the latest controversy to promote his own political platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election, presenting himself as a different option from established opposition figures.

Sowore has consistently criticised Obi and other prominent politicians, arguing that Nigerians should examine their records rather than rely on political branding or popularity.

His latest comments come as opposition politicians intensify their preparations for the 2027 election and debate continues over the most credible candidate to challenge the ruling establishment.

Baba-Ahmed’s criticism of Obi also reflects growing disagreements within the opposition camp following Obi’s decision to join the ADC, a coalition platform that has attracted several prominent political figures ahead of the next presidential election.

Sowore, meanwhile, maintains that his African Action Congress offers an alternative built outside the influence of political godfathers and established power structures.

The latest exchange has further widened the political disagreement among opposition figures, with the 2027 presidential contest increasingly dominated by competing claims over who can provide a credible alternative to the current administration.