The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has raised concerns over the cohesion and electoral prospects of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, saying the party lacks unifying political heavyweights capable of rallying nationwide support.
Baba-Ahmed stated that the absence of figures with the political influence of former President Muhammadu Buhari or President Bola Tinubu could undermine the coalition’s chances in future elections.
Bellnews reports that Baba-Ahmed argued that the ADC had yet to produce personalities with comparable political stature and national appeal.
“They don’t have a Buhari or a Tinubu in the ADC. Tinubu has a lot of sense. They don’t have it in ADC,” he said during an interview with Bellnews.
He noted that strong leadership and political experience were critical in building party unity and driving electoral success.
Baba-Ahmed also warned that the coalition could face internal disagreements depending on who emerges as its presidential candidate.
According to him, the emergence of major political figures within the party could trigger divisions rather than unity.
“Because today, 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.
“They don’t have a Buhari in ADC,” he added.
Despite being in the opposition, Baba-Ahmed commended President Bola Tinubu’s political acumen, describing him as focused, resourceful and experienced.
“Tinubu was focused, resourced, determined. And of course, he has a lot of sense and experience that he applied into this,” he said.
The Labour Party chieftain drew parallels with former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 re-election, which he said was shaped by a political understanding with northern stakeholders.
“They don’t have a Jonathan in the game. Why do I mean by Jonathan? Jonathan was re-elected in 2011 with the promise to northern elements that he wouldn’t contest 2015.
“So there was a promise issue, and the north felt it was time to go back to the north,” he explained.
Baba-Ahmed added that the issues he highlighted reflected broader structural challenges within the ADC coalition, noting that a more detailed discussion would be required to fully address them.