Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed fresh details about the events that led to his emergence as the running mate of Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, disclosing that he only accepted the position after three other individuals allegedly declined the offer.
Speaking on the circumstances surrounding the formation of the Labour Party’s presidential ticket, Datti explained that Obi had initially approached several prominent personalities before eventually reaching out to him. According to him, those individuals turned down the opportunity for various reasons, paving the way for him to become part of what later emerged as one of the most talked-about political movements in Nigeria’s recent history.
Datti stated that his decision to join forces with Obi was driven by his belief in the vision being presented to Nigerians at the time. He noted that the campaign represented a unique opportunity to challenge the established political order and offer citizens an alternative platform built around accountability, transparency and national development...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Reflecting on the 2023 election, the former vice presidential candidate said he never viewed his role as a mere political appointment but rather as a responsibility to contribute to a movement that attracted significant support from young people and Nigerians seeking change. He emphasized that despite the outcome of the election, the Labour Party succeeded in reshaping political conversations across the country and demonstrated the power of citizen engagement in the democratic process.
Datti further explained that his partnership with Obi was founded on shared principles and a commitment to addressing the country’s long-standing challenges. He maintained that the campaign was able to inspire millions of Nigerians because it focused on issues affecting ordinary citizens, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and governance.
His comments have reignited discussions about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that often accompany the selection of presidential running mates in Nigeria. Political observers note that vice presidential nominations are typically influenced by a combination of strategic calculations, regional considerations, political alliances and individual willingness to accept the role.
The revelation also provides a rare glimpse into the decision-making process that shaped the Labour Party’s historic 2023 presidential bid. Although the party did not win the election, the Obi-Datti ticket generated unprecedented enthusiasm among supporters and significantly altered the political landscape, particularly among younger voters and first-time participants in the electoral process.
As conversations about the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, Datti’s account is likely to spark renewed interest in the alliances, negotiations and strategic decisions that define Nigeria’s political contests. His remarks serve as a reminder that major political partnerships are often the result of complex discussions and unexpected turns before they eventually become public.
