By Abiola Olawale
Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has issued a warning regarding the internal stability of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Following the high-profile defection of his former principal, Peter Obi, to the ADC, Baba-Ahmed suggested that the party is heading toward a “collision course” that could implode immediately after its presidential primaries.
The ADC has recently emerged as the primary vehicle for a broad opposition coalition, attracting heavyweight politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
While this “mega-party” strategy aims to unseat the ruling APC, Baba-Ahmed stated that m the concentration of massive egos and presidential ambitions will lead to a post-primary crisis.
He added that the party lacks unifying political figures comparable to some of Nigeria’s past and present leaders.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed argued that the ADC does not have the political weight of former President Muhammadu Buhari or President Bola Tinubu.
“They don’t have a Buhari or a Tinubu in the ADC. Tinubu has a lot of sense. They don’t have it in ADC,” he said.
He warned that internal disagreements could arise depending on who emerges as the party’s presidential candidate, suggesting that major contenders could struggle to rally unanimous support within the coalition.
“Because today, if Atiku wins the ticket, others have a problem with that. If Obi or Amaechi wins the ticket, other candidates will have a problem with it,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
“They don’t have a Buhari in ADC,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed also praised Tinubu’s political strategy and experience, describing the president as focused and determined.
“Tinubu was focused, resourced, and determined. And of course, he has a lot of sense and experience that he applied to this,” he said.
