The Director of New Media and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Theo Abu Agada, has taken a swipe at Datti Baba-Ahmed, describing the former Labour Party presidential running mate as a “bitter ex.”
Agada’s reaction came after Baba-Ahmed criticised the political ambitions of Peter Obi and other politicians seeking to become Nigeria’s president in the 2027 election.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate under the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election, had argued that none of the politicians currently positioning themselves for the presidency had demonstrated the capacity required to transform the country.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to vacate the presidency after completing his current tenure in 2027. However, Baba-Ahmed maintained that Tinubu should not transfer power to any of the presidential contenders opposing him in the forthcoming election, claiming that they were not qualified to lead the country.
Speaking during an interview at the weekend, the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate further revealed that he had previously cautioned Obi against abandoning the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to Baba-Ahmed, he had advised Obi against making the move because of concerns surrounding the political development. His comments come months after Obi left the Labour Party amid an internal leadership dispute that had continued to generate controversy within the organisation.
Following his departure from the Labour Party, Obi joined the ADC as he continued efforts to build a political platform ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
However, Obi’s stay in the ADC was relatively brief. As part of his continuing search for a platform through which he could pursue his presidential ambition, the former Anambra State governor subsequently moved to the NDC.
His decision to join the NDC came after the party emerged as another political vehicle for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling establishment in the 2027 election.
Obi eventually secured the NDC presidential ticket, positioning him as the party’s candidate for the next presidential poll. The party also announced former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate, creating a ticket that brings together two prominent figures from Nigeria’s political opposition.
Baba-Ahmed’s latest remarks have since attracted a response from the NDC leadership, with Agada dismissing the former Labour Party candidate’s criticism in a brief but pointed statement.
Reacting to Baba-Ahmed’s comments, Agada took to X, formerly known as Twitter, where he wrote: “Datti Baba-Ahmed is just a bitter ex.”
The statement appeared to be a direct response to Baba-Ahmed’s criticism of Obi’s political decisions and the wider field of presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 election.
The exchange highlights the growing political tension surrounding Obi’s movement between political platforms as preparations intensify for the next presidential election. Baba-Ahmed and Obi, who were political allies during the 2023 contest, are now operating from different political formations as the country moves closer to another major electoral battle.
