ADC disowns Baba-Ahmed’s remarks, says criticism of coalition is personal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has disassociated itself from comments made by Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, describing his criticism of the opposition coalition as a “personal opinion” and not the party’s official position.

In a statement on Friday, ADC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to building a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Baba-Ahmed, during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, accused the coalition of “deceiving Nigerians” and lacking the capacity to rescue the country. He also declared his readiness to contest alongside Mr. Peter Obi in 2027.

The ADC, however, insisted that the coalition is a serious collective project backed by prominent political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mr. Peter Obi.

According to the party, these leaders came together after “wide consultations to put national interest above partisan divides and provide competent, compassionate leadership.”

It also recalled that Obi had previously endorsed the ADC as the coalition’s platform for the 2027 elections, stressing that only a united opposition could dismantle Nigeria’s structures of poverty and insecurity.