Baba-Ahmed: ADC Lack of Unifying Figures Threatens Cohesion

Labour Party Figure Questions Cohesion of Nigeria’s ADC Opposition Coalition

The 2023 vice-presidential candidate for Nigeria’s Labour Party, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, has raised concerns about the stability and electoral viability of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, suggesting it lacks leaders with the national stature to unify the opposition.

In an interview with Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed argued that the ADC does not possess political figures with the widespread influence of former President Muhammadu Buhari or President Bola Tinubu. “They don’t have a Buhari or a Tinubu in the ADC,” he stated, adding that Tinubu’s experience and political acumen were significant assets in the last election.

He warned that the coalition could face serious internal disputes depending on which candidate emerges as its presidential flagbearer. Baba-Ahmed suggested that major contenders, specifically naming Peter Obi (Labour Party) and Rotimi Amaechi, might struggle to secure consensus from all factional groups within the alliance if they secured the nomination. “If Atiku wins the ticket, others have a problem with that. If Obi or Amaechi wins the ticket, other candidates will have a problem with it,” he said.

The former vice-presidential candidate extended his critique to the coalition’s broader strategy, contrasting its position with historical political bargains. He referenced former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 re-election, which he said was aided by an understanding with northern political stakeholders regarding a future rotation of power. “They don’t have a Jonathan in the game,” Baba-Ahmed said, explaining that Jonathan’s implicit promise not to seek re-election in 2015 helped secure crucial support.

Baba-Ahmed indicated these points reflect deeper structural challenges within the ADC, describing them as issues that would require extensive discussion to resolve. His comments highlight the persistent difficulty of forging a cohesive, single opposition front in Nigeria’s complex political landscape ahead of future elections.

The ADC is a key component of a broader opposition alliance formed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Baba-Ahmed’s public skepticism underscores the fragile nature of that coalition and the significant hurdles it must overcome to present a united challenge.