Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has observed that the opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is full of people with presidential ambitions.

Ekwutosblog reports that the coalition consists of political bigwigs including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, and numerous others.

Baba-Ahmed, speaking in an interview with Trust TV, explained that the ADC does not have a politician in the mould of Bola Tinubu that suppressed his presidential ambition to give a platform to the likes of Atiku in 2007 or former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Noting that the coalition is full of options and and resources, Datti Baba-Ahmed said the downside is that the coalition is also full of ambitions.

“Ambitions have to be reduced and have to be managed carefully for it to stand the test of time in the history of Nigeria’s politics,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed insisted that he has not seen a clear strategy from the coalition leaders that could defeat Tinubu. He stressed that his submissions are not a criticism of the coalition.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has strongly dismissed the relevance of a proposed political coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, asserting that the movement lacks substance and direction.

Speaking in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists and political stakeholders, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the President’s ongoing reform agenda and the sustained support of the Nigerian people. He described the coalition, reportedly aligning with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as a “needless distraction” aimed at derailing the country’s progress.

“Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” Sanwo-Olu said, suggesting that the country has moved beyond the political ideologies and approaches of the past.

“The goal of this coalition is clear, to distract the Commander-in-Chief and obstruct the tangible social and economic progress being achieved. But President Tinubu understands the game and remains focused,” he said.

The proposed alliance features a number of political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola. Despite their credentials, Sanwo-Olu maintained that the coalition represents what he termed a convergence of “discontented actors” rather than a serious alternative to the current administration.

He stressed that President Tinubu’s leadership has produced measurable outcomes, citing improved foreign exchange stability, the implementation of a student loan initiative, enhanced revenue for subnational governments following fuel subsidy removal, tax reforms, increased oil production, and advancements in infrastructure and minimum wage policies.

“President Tinubu is not just a leader but a nation-builder. His legacy of empowerment and vision continues to drive meaningful change across Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Responding to questions on whether the President or the All Progressives Congress, APC, feel threatened by the growing opposition, Sanwo-Olu was unequivocal: “There is no need for concern. Nigerians are discerning, they recognize real leadership and results when they see them. The record speaks louder than political noise.”

He also echoed sentiments previously expressed by some presidential aides, who characterized the coalition as a group of “political desperados” and “internally displaced politicians,” who should be ignored.

“They offer no new vision, only grievances. Their alliance is rooted in opposition to the President rather than a unifying ideology. Such efforts are bound to collapse under their own contradictions,” he added.

When asked what guidance he would offer the President amid the political rhetoric, Sanwo-Olu’s message was simple: “Stay the course. Millions of Nigerians, across party lines, recognize the difficulty of governance and the complexity of rebuilding a challenged economy. They trust his leadership and are firmly behind him.”

He urged the public to remain focused and resilient, stressing that distractions should not deter the administration from its commitment to national development.

By Dan Opara

In a bold political move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of Imo State, a prominent grassroots mobilizer and strong advocate of good governance, Hon. Duru Obinna Benjamin, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Hon. Duru, a former Councillor in Owerri West Local Government Area, served as APC Ward Chairman for Irete/Orogwe Ward 10 and held several key positions within the party’s structure, including serving as the Camp Hope Coordinator and Interim Management Council (IMC) Councilor.

Known for his grassroots engagement and unwavering passion for people-centered leadership, Hon. Duru’s defection marks a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an official resignation letter dated July 4, 2025, and obtained by ThePressman Newspaper, Hon. Duru addressed the APC Ward Chairman and party members, formally notifying them of his decision to withdraw his membership from the party.

The letter, now circulating widely across social media platforms, highlighted his reasons for quitting and declared his new political direction.

“After careful reflection, I have concluded that my values and vision for our nation no longer align with the current direction of the APC, which, in my opinion, is no longer committed to the principles of good governance and inclusive leadership,” the letter read in part.

He further appreciated all those who supported him during his time in the APC, expressing gratitude for their trust, partnership, and shared efforts in advancing the party’s goals over the years.

Hon. Duru emphasized that his move to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is driven by a renewed desire to contribute to a political platform that promotes people-oriented policies, national development, and sustainable economic recovery.

“I am proud to announce that I have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a party I believe is better positioned to serve the interests of Nigerians and drive national transformation,” he stated.

In a follow-up interview with ThePressman, Hon. Duru confirmed that his decision was not only deliberate but deeply inspired by the need to embrace a progressive party capable of tackling the challenges facing Nigeria today.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma and the APC have failed to fulfill the hopes of many. The economic hardship and leadership gaps persist, and I can no longer continue to align with a party that has lost direction. The ADC is now the beacon of hope for Nigerians,” he said confidently.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, political observers in Imo State and beyond will be keenly watching how this defection and others like it will shape the fortunes of major parties in the region.

Hon. Duru’s move to ADC is a signal that the opposition is strengthening, and that political dynamics in Owerri West and Imo State at large may take a new turn in the coming months.