Former Secretary of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano State, Dr. Bala Muhammad Inuwa, on Saturday, challenged Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, to test his political strength without relying on the popularity of Peter Obi.
Its said that the Labour Party’s performance in the 2023 general elections was not based on its structure but was largely driven by the credibility and connection Obi had with the people.
In a statement, Dr. Inuwa criticized Datti’s recent remarks opposing the formation of a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing his comments as disappointing and detached from Nigeria’s current political and economic realities.
He urged Datti and other critics to contribute constructively rather than attack the efforts of others working to build a viable political alternative.
Inuwa said: “Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed’s recent remarks against the emerging opposition coalition are not only disappointing, they reveal a troubling disconnect from the political realities of today’s Nigeria.
“While he is entitled to his views, it is important to remind him that the modest recognition he enjoys today is largely owed to his association with Mr. Peter Obi. Without Obi’s credibility and mass appeal, Datti would have remained a footnote in Nigeria’s political discourse.
“In 2023, Nigerians rallied behind the Labour Party not because of its structures, but because Obi inspired hope. He connected with the people. Datti, though articulate and educated, played a peripheral role.
“He failed to mobilize meaningfully in the North, did not engage local communities, and ultimately could not deliver his polling unit, ward, or constituency. His contribution was limited and the results reflected that.
“This coalition is not about ego or ambition. It is a response to the suffering of millions under a government that has delivered hardship at scale. From soaring inflation to worsening insecurity, Nigerians are desperate for relief. While Datti engages in televised commentary, ordinary citizens are choosing between food and transport. That is the urgency driving this movement.
“His opposition to the coalition raises a fundamental question: is he more concerned with personal relevance than national redemption? If he truly believes he can lead Nigeria’s recovery, let him contest under the Labour Party, without Obi, and see what the people say. Politics is not about studio appearances or sentimental rhetoric. It is about credibility, presence, and public trust.”
Inuwa acknowledged that it faces internal scrutiny but called on dissenters like Datti to contribute to its growth rather than attack it from the sidelines.
He challenged Datti to go solo if he truly believes in his political influence.
He added, “If Datti is serious about change, let him contribute constructively. Let him join hands with those working to build a credible alternative, not undermine them from the sidelines. The time for division is over. This coalition is moving forward, with or without him. History won’t wait. Nigerians won’t either.
“As the ADC coalition gains momentum, it faces scrutiny, some fair, some politically motivated. Critics argue that its leaders are driven by ambition rather than ideology. But the question remains: why can’t figures like Datti help address these concerns and strengthen the coalition’s credibility?
“Perhaps because, without Peter Obi, Datti’s political relevance fades. If he believes otherwise, let him seek validation from his party, contest the presidential ticket, earn the endorsement of Labour Party stakeholders, and prove his worth. Until then, the noise is just that noise.”
