2027 Elections: Datti Baba-Ahmed Says ADC Lacks ‘Buhari or Tinubu’ Figure to Unite Coalition

LP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate questions ADC’s unity, warns presidential ticket could trigger internal crisis

Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, has questioned the strength and unity of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that the party lacks influential political figures capable of rallying nationwide support.

Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed said the ADC does not have personalities with the political weight of former President Muhammadu Buhari or President Bola Tinubu, suggesting this could weaken the coalition’s electoral prospects.

“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.

Baba-Ahmed warned that whoever emerges as the ADC’s presidential candidate may struggle to secure unanimous backing from other stakeholders within the coalition, potentially triggering internal divisions.

“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,” he stated.

He repeated that the absence of a unifying political heavyweight in the party could pose a major challenge as preparations for 2027 intensify.

Praise for Tinubu’s Political Strategy

In a notable remark, Baba-Ahmed commended President Tinubu’s political strategy, describing him as focused, experienced and resourceful.

“Tinubu was focused, resourced, determined. And of course, he has a lot of sense and experience that he applied into this,” he said.

Jonathan’s 2011 Re-election Cited as Example

Baba-Ahmed also referenced former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 re-election to illustrate how political agreements and regional understanding influenced past elections.

“They don’t have a Jonathan in the game. Why do I mean by Jonathan? Jonathan was re-elected in 2011 with the promise to northern elements that he wouldn’t contest 2015.

“So there was a promise issue, and the north felt it was time to go back to the north,” he explained.

According to him, these historical dynamics highlight the broader structural challenges the ADC coalition may face without a commanding figure capable of uniting competing interests.

Baba-Ahmed noted that a deeper analysis of the coalition’s internal structure would require more time but maintained that unity remains a key concern for the party ahead of the next election cycle.