Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, has opened up on his decision to part ways with former ally Peter Obi, insisting that his political future cannot be tied to any individual.

 
While speaking amid ongoing opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, Baba-Ahmed said he chose not to follow Obi’s latest political move because he believed the challenges within the Labour Party should have been confronted and resolved rather than abandoned.

The former senator argued that political parties are bound to face internal disagreements and leadership disputes, maintaining that moving from one platform to another does not automatically eliminate such problems.

According to him, leaders should demonstrate the capacity to fix challenges within their parties instead of walking away when difficulties arise.

Datti revealed that many expected him to align with Obi’s new political direction because of their partnership during the 2023 presidential election. However, he said he reached a different conclusion after carefully assessing the situation and deciding to chart his own course.

 
Emphasising his independence, the former vice-presidential candidate stated that while he respects Obi, he remains free to make political decisions based on his convictions and principles. He stressed that no politician owns another’s political career and that his decision was informed by what he believes is best for the country’s democratic development.

The remarks highlight growing differences among key opposition figures as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum. Datti’s position also underscores the broader debate within opposition circles over whether political actors should reform existing structures or seek alternative platforms in pursuit of their ambitions.

His comments come at a time of intense political consultations and shifting alliances, with several prominent politicians reassessing their strategies ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential race in 2027.

Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have abducted Olaide John-Paul, the younger sister of Adebayo Adelabu, immediate-past minister of power, alongside her twin sons, in Ibadan, Oyo state. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Femi Awogboro, one of Adelabu’s media aides, confirmed that John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped by armed men on Wednesday morning.

According to the statement, the 43-year-old was abducted at about 7:30am while on her way to drop the children at school in Ibadan.

“The abductors also forcefully took away her 12-year-old twin sons who were with her at the time of the incident,” the statement reads.

Awogboro described John-Paul as the youngest of Olufunmilayo Adelabu’s five children.

He said she had worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.

“Following her retirement, she relocated to Ibadan with her children while making preparations to eventually join her husband, John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States of America,” he added.

Awogboro said security and law enforcement agencies were immediately alerted after the incident and had commenced investigations.

“We are pleased to confirm that security operatives have swung into action and preliminary investigations have commenced in earnest,” the statement added.

“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this heinous crime.”

The spokesperson said Adelabu and members of the family are deeply distressed by the development but remain hopeful that security agencies would secure the victims’ safe release.

Awogboro appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

“The family respectfully appeals to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and refrain from circulating unverified information that may jeopardize ongoing security operations,” he said.

He also urged anyone with useful information to assist security agencies by reporting same through appropriate channels, adding that the family would continue to cooperate with authorities and provide updates as events unfold.

Several high-profile terrorist commanders and more than 50 insurgents have been reportedly killed in the Lake Chad region following air strikes conducted by the military under Operation Hadin Kai.

According to reports by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the strikes were carried out on May 31 around the Kirta and Arina Ciki areas.

Zagazola Makama said the operation targeted known terrorist enclaves and logistical hubs after actionable intelligence revealed insurgent activities in the region.

“Post-strike battle damage assessments indicated that among those neutralised were Khalifa Umar, a prominent member of the terrorists’ Shura Council from Sigir, alongside two other field commanders identified as Abdallah and Abduljalil,” Makama said.

“The sources disclosed that the operation resulted in the elimination of more than 50 terrorists.

“In addition to the loss of key personnel, several logistics facilities, supply depots and life-support structures used by the terrorists were destroyed during the strikes, further degrading their ability to sustain operations across the Lake Chad Basin.”

According to the publication, the sustained aerial offensive has piled significant pressure on insurgent groups, forcing many fighters to abandon their traditional island hideouts for more exposed locations on the mainland.

Makama said security sources described the overall situation across the theatre as calm but fluid, requiring continued vigilance from troops and security agencies.

“They, however, expressed confidence in the combat readiness, morale and operational effectiveness of troops engaged in the campaign,” Makama said.

“The latest success is expected to further consolidate recent gains recorded by the US-and Nigeria Armed Forces and reinforce ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.”