Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who was a former presidential running mate for the Labour Party, revealed that he had anticipated the current involvement of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai in the coalition two years ago. Baba-Ahmed mentioned that he shared this insight with Peter Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. He made these comments during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time program on Thursday night. Baba-Ahmed also expressed his willingness to support whoever becomes the presidential candidate of the coalition, as long as the primary election is fair. He stated, “I need to see a very clean and transparent primary; whether that will happen, I don’t know.” I consider myself a strong team player, and I recognize that there are limits to what can be achieved by individuals. “During my time in Port Harcourt, I ranked as the 12th aspirant, and I held the position of Director of Research and Strategy in the PDP during 2018 and 2019, serving with integrity. “I initially contemplated running for governor to avoid a presidential candidate from the North in 2023, but after reviewing the primary procedures, I decided to withdraw; shortly thereafter, Peter Obi exited the PDP as well. “If I’m part of a coalition and a candidate emerges through fair practices, I’m ready to support that candidate, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be Obi. “Peter Obi and I were both in the Labour Party, and we collectively opted to return and compete; I’m aligned with him by default. “Should he run in the coalition and succeed, I will offer him my full support. I own Obi. A couple of names from two years back. I anticipated that El-Rufai was moving in this direction, and several of my accurate assessments have materialized. “I’m suggesting that he would form a coalition and attempt to take on a role similar to the one he holds now.”
