Former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has not formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but only aligned himself with a political coalition.
Baba-Ahmed made this clarification on Friday while speaking on a television programme, where he explained that Obi’s public remarks did not amount to an official defection from the Labour Party.
According to him, Obi merely announced his decision to join a coalition of opposition forces and did not expressly state that he had left the Labour Party for the ADC.
“It will be helpful for people to listen carefully to what Peter Obi said in Enugu. He spoke about joining a coalition. I did not hear him say he had defected to the ADC,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He added that if there was any confusion, it would be necessary to verify whether Obi had taken the formal steps required by law to leave the Labour Party.
“It is also important to confirm from the Labour Party leadership whether His Excellency, Peter Obi, has submitted a resignation letter and returned his party card, as required,” he stated.
Obi had, in December 2025, appeared at a political rally held at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu, where he addressed supporters of the ADC and called on members of other opposition parties to join forces. At the event, he described the ADC as a family committed to rescuing Nigeria from poor leadership.
Despite the apparent political divergence, Baba-Ahmed maintained that his relationship with Obi remains cordial.
Speaking separately in another interview, he said he harbours no resentment over Obi’s political choices, noting that the former governor did not approach him about joining the ADC.
“Peter Obi did not invite me to join him in ADC because people know me and understand my principles. There are certain things you don’t approach me with,” he said.
He further disclosed that their personal relationship remains intact, revealing that Obi recently attended a family event at his residence.
Baba-Ahmed also stated that he would be willing to support Obi’s presidential ambition in 2027 if Obi fails to secure the ADC ticket and decides to return to the Labour Party.
The former lawmaker stressed that political differences would not erase years of mutual respect and shared values between both men.
Obi Joined Coalition, Not ADC — Datti Baba-Ahmed
