Datti Baba-Ahmed Labels ADC a Political Deception, Accuses Ex-Buhari Allies of Seeking Refuge
Labour Party’s Datti Baba-Ahmed has blasted the African Democratic Congress, calling it a deceptive regrouping of failed Buhari-era politicians.
He warned that Nigeria’s crisis stems from flawed elections, corruption, and dishonest political recycling.
Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections and running mate to Peter Obi, has criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a deceptive platform. He alleged that several figures who presided over Nigeria’s decline during the Muhammadu Buhari years are now regrouping in the party to position themselves for 2027.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday night, Baba-Ahmed said Nigeria’s persistent crisis stems from a broken leadership recruitment process that repeatedly produces corrupt leaders. He argued that flawed elections fuel insecurity, deepen corruption, and weaken national institutions.
“Insecurity grows out of manipulated elections. Corruption thrives because of the way we run our polls. Our youth and judiciary have been damaged by fraudulent electoral practices,” he said.
The former lawmaker also revisited the Buhari era, describing it as one of the most disappointing chapters in Nigeria’s history. He recalled that Buhari, once seen as incorruptible, had earlier served in the controversial Sani Abacha regime as head of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). According to him, the late dictator’s government was riddled with graft, and Nigeria is still repatriating funds looted during that period.
Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians placed immense hope in Buhari but were let down. “The Buhari Nigerians thought they were getting in 2015 was not the same. What came was a system built around campaign money and patronage. His circle fed off contributions for years until they finally got power, and when they did, corruption became the order of the day,” he noted.
He added that Buhari’s political structure between 2003 and 2015 revolved around financial contributions, and once in government, the same pattern of greed and self-interest prevailed.
Turning to the recent defections of Buhari loyalists into the ADC, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the move as dishonest. “Those who failed the country between 2015 and 2023 cannot now regroup under another banner and present themselves as reformers. It’s a deception,” he asserted.
The Labour Party chieftain reaffirmed his loyalty to Peter Obi and the party, declaring: “I remain in Labour Party. I stand with Peter Obi, and I want him to run again in 2027.”
