Datti Baba-Ahmed: ADC Coalition Filled with Ambitions, Lacks Clear Strategy to Defeat Tinubu

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has expressed concern over the growing number of presidential hopefuls within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition.

Speaking during an interview with Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed pointed out that the coalition, though rich in political heavyweights and resources, is burdened by competing ambitions. He listed key figures involved, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark, among others.

Unlike the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the past, Baba-Ahmed noted, the current opposition coalition lacks a selfless figure akin to Bola Tinubu, who previously shelved his own ambitions in 2007 and 2015 to support the candidacies of Atiku and Buhari respectively.

“There’s no Tinubu-like figure in the ADC coalition willing to put personal ambition aside for the bigger picture,” he observed.

While acknowledging the coalition’s potential due to its array of experienced politicians and resources, Baba-Ahmed warned that without effective management of personal ambitions, its long-term viability remains questionable.

“Ambitions must be moderated and handled with care if this coalition hopes to survive and make a meaningful impact in Nigeria’s political future,” he cautioned.

Baba-Ahmed also expressed skepticism about the coalition’s preparedness to take on President Tinubu in 2027, arguing that no distinctive strategy has been presented so far.

“This is not a criticism, but an observation. You cannot challenge a sitting president like Tinubu with the usual playbook. You need to be innovative, even unconventional,” he stated.
“To pull off the seemingly impossible, you must adopt an equally extraordinary strategy.”

He warned against presenting a familiar face like Atiku as the coalition’s flagbearer in 2027, saying the ruling APC already understands how to counter him.

“They’ve studied Atiku. They know how to beat him. If he wins the ticket and the election, we’ll support him. But for a real chance at victory, the coalition needs a candidate the ruling party cannot predict—someone who keeps them guessing.”

Drawing parallels with Buhari’s emergence in 2015, Baba-Ahmed urged the ADC to select a presidential candidate capable of pulling off a surprise victory.

“Just like Buhari brought a fresh energy and appeal in 2015, the coalition must rally behind someone who can do the same in 2027,” he concluded.