North Unlikely to Back Obi–Kwankwaso Joint Ticket – Datti Warns

The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has shared a detailed assessment of Nigeria’s 2023 general election and the prospects of future opposition alliances, expressing doubt that northern political forces will unite behind key opposition figures.

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Speaking on ongoing political realignments, Baba-Ahmed noted that he has chosen to avoid mentioning specific individuals for now, but emphasized that regional alignment remains a decisive factor in determining election outcomes.

“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around OK. That is my personal opinion,” he said, while adding that he maintains respectful and cordial relationships with major political actors.

He also recounted a meeting with former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in January 2024 at John Wilson Hotel, where he said he offered strategic advice on broadening political engagement.

“At that time, I told him there are key figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai. I suggested he should engage them,” he stated.

Baba-Ahmed further stressed the importance of early planning, arguing that political success depends on long-term strategy rather than short-term calculations.

“If in 2024 you cannot plan for 2027, then I cannot continue to be with you,” he said.

He suggested that some of the current opposition alignments may have originated from earlier strategic discussions, though he questioned their chances of success in practice.

Raising concerns about shifting alliances, he questioned why certain political actors failed to support particular candidates in previous elections but are now aligning differently.

“What changed between 2022 and 2023?” he asked, pointing to inconsistencies in political loyalties.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s changing demographics, noting increasing demand for a new generation of leadership, but warned that internal contradictions within political tickets could weaken such ambitions.

“You are looking for new blood, a new generation, yet you may have a vice-presidential figure who is older in age, education, political profile, and experience,” he said.

On regional influence, he referenced Kwankwaso’s strong political base, suggesting it could complicate leadership balance within any alliance.

“The local government is almost his state, the state is almost his region. And this is someone with strong ambition and temperament—who, then, will actually be the president?” he asked.

According to him, while opposition unity is possible in theory, past voting patterns and internal party dynamics make such coalitions difficult to sustain.

Datti concluded that consistency in party structure and strategic planning remains essential as opposition figures continue to reposition ahead of future elections.