Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed skepticism over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, stating he is still trying to understand the party.

In a recent appearance on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed made it clear that while he attended meetings linked to the coalition, he remains firmly rooted in the Labour Party.

“ADC was recently pointed by the coalition as the adopted party. Quite frankly, I am still trying to understand the ADC,” he said. “So I cannot tell you much about it.”

Dr. Datti’s remarks come amid growing uncertainty surrounding the direction of the opposition coalition and the role of Labour Party’s presidential flag bearer in 2023, Peter Obi.

Earlier this week, Baba-Ahmed met with the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, in a move aimed at fostering reconciliation within the party’s ranks. Speaking after the meeting, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party:

“Labour Party is not a party to walk away from. The successes, the history that Labour Party of Nigeria has recorded is unique and unprecedented.”

Reflecting on the 2023 general election, he emphasized the strength of the party’s showing:

“We presented clear records and evidence of 10 million votes scored in the last election, thereafter reduced to 6.1 million votes. The act of state capture is a more onerous task causing disunity and disaffection within political parties.”

Baba-Ahmed further clarified his role in coalition talks, stating:

“I did attend meetings of a certain attempt for a coalition in Nigeria. Morally speaking, if your neighbourhood invites you to discuss security, you must attend. However, if you attend and they discuss other matters besides that, you are at liberty to restore yourself to your former position.”

His comments have further fueled speculation over the future political path of Peter Obi, who has remained silent amid the unfolding drama within the opposition ranks.

Meanwhile, the ADC coalition has continued to draw mixed reactions across the political landscape, with its leaders vowing to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle.

As realignments continue across opposition parties, political watchers remain keenly focused on whether the Labour Party will maintain its independence or integrate fully into the ADC coalition structure.