“Peter Obi Is Overqualified to Play Second Fiddle in 2027” — Datti Baba-Ahmed Rejects VP Role for Ex-Anambra Governor, Backs Him for ADC Presidential Ticket

Datti Baba-Ahmed has categorically rejected the idea of Peter Obi running as a vice-presidential candidate under any emerging coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday, July 4, 2025, the former Labour Party running mate declared that Obi is “too qualified, too competent, and too visionary to be anybody’s deputy.”

Speaking during a televised interview on Channels TV, Datti warned that any move to relegate Obi to a running mate position in a new opposition alliance would be “a mistake of historic proportions.” He said Obi should be the face of a new Nigeria and called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to present him as its 2027 presidential flagbearer.

Datti’s remarks come amid growing speculation that a “mega opposition coalition” is being forged to unseat President Bola Tinubu, with talks reportedly involving ADC, LP, NNPP, and key political blocs from the North-Central and South-East. Some insiders had hinted that Obi might be persuaded to accept a VP slot to unite the movement.

Rejecting that notion, Datti declared, “Peter Obi has paid his dues. He is the most prepared, most disciplined, and most credible presidential candidate Nigeria has had in a generation. He cannot and should not be reduced to playing second fiddle to anybody—not in 2027, not ever again.” His stance has gained massive support on social media, with the hashtag #ObiForPresident2027 trending nationwide.

The former senator from Kaduna and co-founder of Baze University also praised Obi’s performance in the 2023 elections, where he pulled over 6 million votes and won in 12 states, including Lagos and Abuja. “If this country is serious about resetting itself, we should be pushing Obi forward, not backward,” he added.

Political analysts say Datti’s declaration could throw coalition talks into disarray, especially as Labour Party leadership remains divided over alliances with ADC and other smaller parties. While ADC has hinted at a possible open primary, Datti’s comments could harden public expectations that only Peter Obi should fly the flag.

With the 2027 race beginning to heat up and internal party talks intensifying, Datti’s loyalty to Obi and outright rejection of a VP offer sets the stage for another bold and disruptive campaign cycle. Whether ADC or another platform answers the call, one thing is clear: the Obi-Datti political movement is not ready to bow.