The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, has questioned the unity and electoral strength of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, saying the party is short of influential leaders capable of holding it together.
Speaking in an interview on Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed said the ADC does not boast personalities with the political clout of former President Muhammadu Buhari or President Bola Tinubu.
“They don’t have a Buhari or a Tinubu in the ADC. Tinubu is highly strategic, and that depth is missing in the ADC,” he said.
He cautioned that the coalition could face internal rifts depending on the outcome of its presidential primaries, noting that whichever major figure emerges may struggle to command broad acceptance.
“If Atiku clinches the ticket, others will be dissatisfied. If it goes to Obi or Amaechi, there will still be discontent among other aspirants,” Baba-Ahmed said.
Reiterating his point, he added that the absence of a unifying figure like Buhari could weaken the coalition.
Baba-Ahmed also commended President Tinubu’s political approach, describing him as focused, determined and experienced.
“Tinubu was focused, well-resourced and deliberate. He applied his experience effectively,” he said.
He further compared the situation with former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 re-election, which he said was influenced by an understanding with northern political interests.
“They also don’t have a Jonathan-type figure. Jonathan won in 2011 with an understanding that he would not seek re-election in 2015, and that shaped northern support,” he explained.
According to Baba-Ahmed, these factors highlight deeper structural weaknesses within the ADC coalition, adding that a comprehensive analysis of the challenges would require more extensive discussion.
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