“I Joined Obi’s 2023 Ticket Out of Sympathy” — Baba-Ahmed

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said his decision to run alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election was driven more by sympathy than ideological alignment.

He made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni, in a video that circulated on Wednesday, explaining that his entry into the ticket was motivated by concern for both Obi and Nigeria’s political situation at the time.

According to him, Obi had approached several prominent politicians before the 2023 race, but they declined to partner with him, which influenced his own decision to step in.

He said he felt compassion for Obi and believed Nigeria needed a stronger political alternative, describing his involvement as a voluntary decision made in the national interest.

“They thought I would follow Peter Obi… I have sympathy for him,” he said, adding that he acted as a “volunteer for the sake of Nigeria.”

Baba-Ahmed, who recently moved from the Labour Party to the Peoples Redemption Party in May 2026, also used the interview to distance himself politically from his former running mate.

He stressed that Obi does not control his political choices and that he remains independent in his political decisions.

“With due respect, he does not own my politics. He does not own me. I am independent,” he stated.

He further argued that internal party crises are not unique to the Labour Party, suggesting that similar challenges exist in other political platforms.

His comments come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of future elections, as key figures reposition within Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape.