A former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has rejected the prospect of a united opposition producing a single presidential candidate for 2027, describing the plan as unworkable.
Baba-Ahmed spoke on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, on Channels Television’s Politics Today, in response to the Ibadan Declaration by a coalition of opposition figures proposing a joint ticket to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
He said the Ibadan meeting did not reflect a broad opposition consensus, noting that participation was largely limited to members of the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress. He argued that such a gathering cannot claim to represent the entire opposition bloc.
According to him, deep political divisions and competing interests make agreement on a single candidate unlikely.
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He also expressed scepticism about the viability of a coalition built around the African Democratic Congress, saying it would struggle to gain national traction even if his former running mate, Peter Obi, emerges as its candidate.
Baba-Ahmed attributed the weakness of opposition politics partly to low citizen participation, stating that many capable Nigerians avoid political engagement, thereby limiting the quality of leadership and alternatives.
He further accused the current administration of undermining opposition parties rather than focusing on governance priorities such as security and the economy.
On his next move, Baba-Ahmed confirmed he will leave the Labour Party on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with his resignation taking effect at midnight.
He said he will join the Peoples Redemption Party, citing internal disagreements and a departure from the Labour Party’s founding ideals.