Adebayo, however, admitted that Baba-Ahmed’s experiences in the LP and the PDP could have influenced his perception of the presidential candidates.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, has reacted to claims by 2023 Labour Party (LP) Vice-Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, that none of the leading candidates for the 2027 presidential election can fix Nigeria, insisting he is not one of those he was referring to.
He rejected the economist and former federal lawmaker’s assertion on Sunday during an interview on Arise TV’s News Night.
Baba-Ahmed, while urging President Bola Tinubu to step aside in 2027, advised the president not to hand over power to any candidate contesting against him because they lacked the capacity to turn the country around.
He went on to disclose that he had warned Obi against dumping the LP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, he said: “I will simply advise uncle (Tinubu) to please prepare to hand over and move away, but not to the people contesting against him.”
Baba-Ahmed added, “Because none of them will improve Nigeria. All those people contesting against him were all in bed together at some point or another—including Peter Obi. At some point, he was in the PDP.”
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Reacting, Adebayo said Baba-Ahmed’s conclusion could only be based on his personal experiences with politicians he had worked with, but added that it should not be extended to candidates with whom he had no direct dealings.
“Senator Datti is talking from experience, the intimate relationship with people he has dealt with, so limit it to that. He can’t be talking about people like us, whom he has not dealt with,” the SDP chieftain said.
He further suggested that his experience with his former running mate, Peter Obi, could have influenced his assessment that the 2027 presidential contenders are unfit to occupy the office.
“Maybe his experience with Governor Peter Obi has convinced him that that one cannot make a good president,” Adebayo added.
Adebayo also noted that Baba-Ahmed had previously been involved with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that his knowledge of politicians he had worked with could explain his assessment of the political class.
“He was in the PDP before, so he knows them, but I think he can’t include me,” Adebayo said.
“So you need to bring him to your studio and ask him if that includes me. I don’t think so,” he further stated.
