Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, formally announced his exit from the party on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. He cited deep-seated internal disagreements and a belief that the Labour Party has strayed significantly from its original ideals as the primary drivers for his departure.
Baba-Ahmed revealed that his new political home is the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), describing it as the “new destination” with a storied 75-year history of progressive ideology. His defection, which took effect at midnight on Wednesday, April 29, signals a potential fragmentation of the “Obidient” movement just as the 2027 election cycle begins to heat up.
Kwankwaso and Obi: A Budding Mega-Alliance?
Simultaneously, reports have emerged of intense strategic meetings in Abuja between Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwassiyya movement, and prominent figures from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). These discussions have fueled widespread speculation about a formidable “mega-alliance” involving Peter Obi.
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A “Running Mate” Pact?: Some reports suggest a breakthrough in negotiations, claiming Kwankwaso has agreed to serve as a running mate to Peter Obi on a unified ticket for 2027.
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ADC and NDC Overtures: Both the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have reportedly made overtures to Obi and Kwankwaso, inviting them to team up under a single banner to challenge the ruling party.
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The “Ibadan Coalition” Influence: This realignment follows a broader trend of opposition figures—including Governor Seyi Makinde and Senator Seriake Dickson—holding consultative meetings to explore a unified front against the APC.
Why This Matters
This shift represents a critical consolidation of Northern and Southern opposition forces. While Baba-Ahmed’s move to the PRP suggests a diversification of platforms, the potential Obi-Kwankwaso ticket aims to bridge the regional divide that hindered their separate runs in 2023.
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