I Have 2 Solid Universities, The Biggest Private Hospital in Africa and Aviation School, Datti Baba-Ahmed Defends Record, Rejects Claims of Resentment Against Peter Obi

Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has dismissed suggestions that his recent comments about former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, were motivated by resentment over not being selected as Obi’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, said his position was not borne out of personal disappointment or political rivalry, stressing that he has built a substantial personal legacy independent of political appointments.

Responding to insinuations that his remarks about Obi were linked to expectations of being picked again as running mate, Baba-Ahmed reportedly pointed to his investments in the education, healthcare and aviation sectors as evidence that his ambitions extend beyond political office.

He said, “I have two solid universities, the biggest private hospital in Africa and an aviation school,” while highlighting the institutions and businesses he has established over the years.

Baba-Ahmed’s comments come amid renewed political discussions over the possibility of an alliance involving Obi and other opposition figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The former vice presidential candidate has recently attracted attention over his comments concerning Obi, prompting speculation among political observers and supporters of the Labour Party’s 2023 ticket about the nature of their current relationship.

However, Baba-Ahmed’s latest response suggests that he does not consider political office or the prospect of securing a running-mate slot as the measure of his personal accomplishments.

The businessman and academic was selected by Obi as his running mate ahead of the 2023 presidential election, with the duo campaigning on the platform of the Labour Party under the “Obidient” movement.

Their ticket finished third in the 2023 presidential election, behind the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was declared winner, and the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

With political realignments intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections, questions have continued to emerge over the future political direction of Obi, Baba-Ahmed and the wider Obidient movement.

Baba-Ahmed’s latest statement appears aimed at distancing his recent criticisms or observations concerning Obi from any perception that they are driven by personal grievances, while also underscoring his activities outside partisan politics.

#TheEconomicTimesNigeria