Datti slams Obi’s ADC defection claim, challenges LP to produce his resignation letter

The former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed that Peter Obi did not defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Baba-Ahmed, while speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Friday, said Obi only announced alignment with the coalition, not an explicit defection to the ADC.

“It will be good if everyone listens to Peter Obi’s comments at Enugu. He mentioned joining the coalition. I don’t believe I heard him say defection to the ADC,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“I did not hear that; maybe I missed it, but please find out if he said joining the coalition or the ADC.”

The former senator asked the LP leadership to clarify whether Obi had completed the formal process required to leave the party.

“It is also good if you find out from Labour Party leadership if His Excellency Peter Obi has submitted a resignation letter and returned his card as required by law,” he said.

The Informant247 had earlier reported that the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and the two-time governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi had in December 2025, officially joined the ADC during a political event in Enugu, where he invited members of other opposition parties to become part of what he described as a family committed to “rescuing” Nigeria from poor leadership.

Despite the political divergence, Baba-Ahmed said his relationship with Obi remains cordial.

“I also said if Peter Obi does not get the ticket there in ADC, he is more than welcome back to the Labour Party,” he said.

“I will stand there, and nobody will do anything bad to Peter Obi. It is better for him to come back than for him to do another type of agenda.”

On whether he intends to run for the presidency, Baba-Ahmed said “categorically yes,” but clarified that he had not formally declared interest.

“I never declared to contest for presidency; I simply reiterated my membership in the Labour Party, even though there could be a possibility for that happening,” he said.

“I clearly stated that one will have to wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party to make the call.”

He also called on Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president, to step aside ahead of the 2027 general elections.