Datti: Obi Announced Coalition, Not ADC Defection

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has expressed doubt over claims that Peter Obi has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking in a television interview, Baba-Ahmed said Obi only announced alignment with a coalition and did not clearly state that he had left the Labour Party for the ADC. He called for clarification from both Obi and the Labour Party leadership on whether the former Anambra State governor followed the required process for defection.

Baba-Ahmed also urged confirmation on whether Obi had submitted a resignation letter and returned his party membership card, as required by law. His comments contrast with reports that Obi officially joined the ADC during a rally in Enugu in December 2025.

Despite the political uncertainty, Baba-Ahmed said his personal relationship with Obi remains strong, adding that he holds no resentment over Obi’s political choices and would support his presidential ambition in 2027 should he return to the Labour Party after failing to secure the ADC ticket.