Baba-Ahmed Endorses ADC Coalition While Holding Firm to Labour Party, Warns Against Tinubu’s Shadow Game [VIDEO]

 

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s former vice presidential candidate, has lent his voice to the ongoing political realignment taking shape across Nigeria. His message was one of cautious optimism, as he revealed support for a growing coalition that recently welcomed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) into its fold. However, he was quick to clarify that this political repositioning does not signify his departure from the Labour Party.

Speaking with a tone that was both measured and assertive, Baba-Ahmed made it clear that his loyalty to the ideals of the Labour Party remains intact. His support for the coalition, he explained, is rooted in a broader aspiration to rescue Nigeria’s democracy and steer it towards transparency, equity and progressive governance. However, he warned political stakeholders against becoming overly enthusiastic, cautioning that much of the political class may still be operating within the framework dictated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy.

According to Baba-Ahmed, while the idea of a united front capable of challenging the current administration holds tremendous potential, there is a lingering danger that those involved may inadvertently be playing into the hands of the ruling elite. He asserted that the political space continues to be manipulated to favor certain interests and that unless opposition figures remain sharply focused, any effort to counter the current leadership could end up being mere shadowboxing.

His remarks come at a time when a wave of political recalibration is underway across Nigeria. The ADC’s recent collaboration with other opposition elements has stirred conversations around the formation of a mega party or coalition that could challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections. For many political observers, the inclusion of respected political minds like Baba-Ahmed signals growing momentum for a unified opposition.

Despite this alignment, Baba-Ahmed’s public statements served as a sobering reminder of the complex realities that underlie Nigeria’s political terrain. Rather than offering blanket praise for the coalition, he urged citizens and political actors to remain discerning. He noted that while political mergers often appear promising on the surface, true change requires consistent ideological alignment, grassroots engagement and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

Baba-Ahmed’s political trajectory has been marked by consistent calls for integrity, competence and a rejection of corrupt practices. His latest commentary suggests he remains committed to these values, even as he navigates the fluid political landscape. While he has given a nod to the principle behind the ADC-aligned coalition, he insists that any such effort must not distract from the urgent task of building institutions capable of resisting the pull of money politics and executive overreach.

He emphasized that Nigeria's political system continues to reflect the designs of Tinubu, who he claims has maintained strategic control over the country's political chessboard. The former vice presidential candidate noted that until Nigerians fully wake up to this reality, opposition movements might only succeed in reinforcing the very system they seek to dismantle.

Baba-Ahmed’s words have added a new layer of thoughtfulness to the ongoing debate about the future of political alliances in the country. His refusal to leave the Labour Party, despite backing a broader coalition, may also be interpreted as a strategic move to maintain ideological clarity while still engaging with like-minded forces. It highlights his belief that political renewal does not always require party defection, but rather, collaboration based on shared convictions.

In recent months, various political leaders and civil society groups have called for a united front to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as institutional decay and poor governance. Many see Baba-Ahmed’s comments as part of a growing wave of reformist voices seeking to build a credible alternative to the APC’s dominance. Yet his warnings remind them that unity alone is not a substitute for critical thinking and strategic execution.

As the coalition movement gains traction, all eyes will be on how it consolidates support and articulates its vision for a better Nigeria. Baba-Ahmed’s cautious endorsement could help balance the optimism surrounding these developments with the realism needed to succeed. Whether or not this coalition evolves into a transformative political force remains to be seen, but voices like his are helping to shape the direction it might take.

His message was unmistakable: Nigeria's future depends not just on the formation of coalitions, but on the moral clarity and political will of those involved. A new political dawn may be on the horizon, but navigating the shadows cast by entrenched powers will require more than enthusiasm. It will take vigilance, strategy and an unshakable commitment to the public interest.

I Am Considering the Coalition Who Have Adopted the ADC, But I Have Not Left the Labour Party -Baba-Ahmed

I agree with the coalition and the principle behind it, but let’s not get consumed by the excitement. Everyone is still playing Tinubu's game.
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Former… pic.twitter.com/uoQNeI7iqX

— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) July 3, 2025