Former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that his decision to run alongside Peter Obi was largely driven by sympathy, following what he described as the rejection of Obi by three prominent politicians ahead of the polls.

Baba-Ahmed made the disclosure during an interview with Symfoni, where he reflected on the political alignments that shaped the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, the former Anambra State governor had initially approached three notable political figures to serve as his running mate, but none agreed to partner with him at the time.

He said the development influenced his personal decision to step in as Obi’s deputy candidate, describing it as an act motivated by both sympathy and concern for Nigeria’s political direction.

“People don’t understand that between me and Obi, there is a great deal of sympathy. I have sympathy for him. And this sympathy was at the core of our relationship,” he said.

“When he approached three other major politicians in 2022, I would have been glad if one of them had gone with Peter Obi. But they all avoided him. I felt bad for him and I felt bad for Nigeria as a nation.”

Baba-Ahmed further stated that his involvement was voluntary, stressing that he has always been inclined toward service-driven political participation.

“I took it upon myself because naturally I have always been a volunteer. For the sake of Nigeria, I extended that sympathy to him,” he added.

The remarks have since stirred fresh conversations within political circles, as analysts continue to reflect on the dynamics that shaped the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential ticket.