2027: ‘The North won’t back you, Obi’ – Datti Baba-Ahmed fires warning
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“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around OK. That is my personal opinion,” he said, while emphasizing that he remains on good terms with key political figures.
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has expressed doubts about the North’s willingness to support Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in the 2027 race.
Speaking on shifting opposition alliances, Baba-Ahmed stated that it is highly unlikely the North will rally behind the duo, stressing that regional factors will remain pivotal in determining electoral outcomes.
“It is very unlikely that the North will rally around OK. That is my personal opinion,” he said, while emphasizing that he remains on good terms with key political figures.
Recalling a January 2024 meeting with Obi, Baba-Ahmed shared that he had advised Obi on the importance of engaging influential figures like Kwankwaso and Nasir El-Rufai to strengthen the opposition’s political strategy.
Baba-Ahmed also underscored the need for long-term planning, urging Obi to focus on the 2027 elections early. “If in 2024 you cannot plan for 2027, then I cannot continue to be with you,” he remarked.
The former vice-presidential candidate raised concerns about the shifting dynamics in the opposition, questioning the rationale behind some actors’ failure to support certain candidates in past elections, only to form new alliances now. “What changed between 2022 and 2023?” he asked, suggesting the new alignments may not have the stability or practicality needed for success.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned that while the demand for a new generation of leadership is growing, internal contradictions within political tickets, such as age and experience mismatches, could undermine that objective.
Pointing to Kwankwaso’s strong regional support, Baba-Ahmed questioned who would ultimately lead in a coalition with such complex internal dynamics, raising doubts about the feasibility of uniting behind one figure.
He concluded by stating that consistent party structure and long-term strategy will be crucial as opposition figures continue to reposition ahead of future elections.
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