Datti Baba-Ahmed warns of looming crisis over presidential ticket in ADC-led coalition

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed concern that the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could face serious internal friction over the selection of a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed cautioned that the wave of optimism surrounding the new alliance should be tempered with realism, as the coalition could soon be confronted with intense political rivalry among its key figures.

The ADC was formally unveiled on Wednesday as the new platform through which opposition leaders aim to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Prominent political figures reportedly backing the coalition include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Anambra State Governor and LP presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi; and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai.

However, Baba-Ahmed noted that the coalition lacks a clear presidential frontrunner — a factor that could lead to bitter competition during the primary process.

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He contrasted the situation with the 2015 alliance that gave rise to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which, according to him, had a consensus candidate in former President Muhammadu Buhari from the outset.

“There are structural misgivings in the coalition as it is today,” he said. “Buhari was the distant anointed from ab initio. The convener [Tinubu] supported him and knew that once Buhari left, he would succeed him. This current coalition doesn’t have a distant anointed. The struggle will be close and possibly not so clean.”

Baba-Ahmed warned that a potentially messy battle for the ticket could damage the coalition’s credibility and unity: “The question is what will be the aftermath?”

While acknowledging the enthusiasm surrounding the new alliance, Baba-Ahmed urged Nigerians to remain cautious and critical in their expectations. “Don’t be consumed by the excitement — manage it,” he said. “Understandably so, Nigerians are as depressed as they are oppressed. This excitement can easily consume everyone. Hold back and think critically.”

Despite his caution, Baba-Ahmed said he aligns with the coalition’s objectives and values and is considering participating in the movement while maintaining his Labour Party membership.

The ADC-led opposition coalition has been touted as a possible third force, drawing inspiration from the APC’s rise to power in 2015. But with multiple political heavyweights nursing presidential ambitions — including Atiku Abubakar’s rumoured fifth run, and the one-term presidency proposals floated by both Amaechi and Obi — Baba-Ahmed’s warning suggests that internal competition could be the alliance’s first major test.