North may reject Obi-Kwankwaso ticket - Datti

Labour Party's Datti Baba-Ahmed doubts northern Nigeria will rally behind potential Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket, calling such alignment 'very unlikely.' Speaking on opposition realignments, he deliberately avoids naming individuals but stresses regional factors remain critical for electoral success. During a January 2024 meeting at John Wilson Hotel, Datti reportedly advised Peter Obi to engage key northern figures like Kwankwaso and El-Rufai for broader political strategy. He emphasized long-term planning, stating: 'If in 2024 you cannot plan for 2027, then I cannot continue to be with you.' The former VP candidate questioned internal contradictions in potential tickets, noting: 'You are looking for new blood, a new generation, yet you may have a vice-presidential figure who is older in age, education, political profile, and experience.' He specifically raised concerns about Kwankwaso's regional dominance, asking: 'The local government is almost his state, the state is almost his region. And this is someone with strong ambition and temperament, who, then, will actually be the president?' While acknowledging theoretical opposition collaboration possibilities, Datti pointed to historical voting patterns and party dynamics making such alliances difficult to sustain ahead of 2027 elections.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/05/north-may-reject-obi-kwankwaso-joint-ticket-datti/