Abuja, Nigeria – July, 2025 — Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, has openly questioned the credibility and sincerity of a proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, taking a direct swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s leadership style.
In a bold statement, Datti expressed skepticism about Atiku’s readiness to lead a genuine and inclusive political alliance, accusing the former PDP presidential candidate of running party primaries with little regard for internal democracy.
“Atiku does primaries mercilessly,” Datti declared, suggesting that Atiku’s alleged authoritarian grip on the party structure could stifle any meaningful coalition-building among Nigeria’s opposition parties.
The remarks come amid growing calls for opposition unity in the build-up to the 2027 general elections, with some political actors advocating for a broad-based alliance to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Datti’s comments have stirred conversation within political circles, particularly as they reflect lingering distrust among opposition figures, despite public statements advocating unity. Analysts believe such internal divisions could undermine any attempt to form a credible alternative to the current administration.
The Labour Party and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have not officially responded to Datti’s comments, but sources say behind-the-scenes talks are ongoing among key stakeholders to navigate the complexities of coalition-building before the next electoral cycle.
