Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has said he has no regrets supporting Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, saying the decision was driven by his desire to promote unity and trust in Nigeria.
Baba-Ahmed spoke on Monday while delivering a keynote address at the second Bala AbdulKadir Mohammed Colloquium at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, held to mark the 68th birthday of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
Reflecting on the 2023 election, Baba-Ahmed said he supported Obi because he believed the ticket provided an opportunity to address fundamental questions about Nigeria’s leadership and strengthen national unity.
“Up till today, I have no regrets supporting Peter Obi,” he said, adding that his decision was based on the need to promote “forgiveness, unity, and trust” among Nigerians.
He also called for leaders who would stand up for citizens and resist oppression and injustice.
According to him, Nigerians should not merely praise leaders but encourage them to use their positions to protect the people and promote good governance.
Baba-Ahmed further criticized the state of Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that the separation of powers between the executive and legislature had been weakened.
He urged Nigerians to unite, demand accountability, and defend their rights.
“Why can’t the Nigerian people unite? Why can’t the Nigerian people work together? Why can’t the Nigerian people stand for themselves and fight for themselves?” he asked.
The former vice-presidential candidate warned against the growing acceptance of oppression in the country, saying both leaders and citizens must reject injustice.
“The point is that we detest oppression. We detest cheating. We hate bullying. We need leaders that will stop it,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed urged Nigerians to support public officials willing to speak against injustice and defend citizens’ rights, even when doing so could put their political positions at risk.
