Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led opposition coalition of deceiving Nigerians with promises to rescue the country from underdevelopment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, August 22, 2025, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the coalition, which includes prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, as a “grand deception.” He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party and Peter Obi, stating, “I’m a Labour Party man, for God’s sake. I’m Peter Obi’s man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest in 2027.”
Baba-Ahmed criticized the ADC coalition’s credibility, alleging it comprises politicians responsible for Nigeria’s challenges during the Buhari administration (2015–2023), and argued that electoral fraud, not the coalition’s promises, is the root of national issues like insecurity and corruption.
They are deceiving us. Those who ruined Nigeria between 2015 and 2023 cannot now claim they want to fix the country,” he said. He also slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for undermining the 2023 elections, calling electoral fraud “the single most important issue to be addressed.” The ADC, in a statement by Deputy National Publicity Secretary Jackie Wayas, dismissed Baba-Ahmed’s remarks as “personal opinions” and invited him to join the coalition, emphasizing its goal of uniting opposition forces for national interest.
The controversy has stirred debate online, with some amplifying Baba-Ahmed’s claims, while others question his stance given Peter Obi’s reported alignment with the ADC coalition. Some X posts highlight skepticism about the ADC’s credibility, pointing to refuted claims of support from figures like Ambode and Fayemi. The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, responded curtly, saying, “When he begins to make sense, we will respond,” underscoring tensions within opposition ranks as Nigeria approaches 2027
