Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his ambition is independent of recent political realignments within the opposition.
Baba-Ahmed made the declaration on Wednesday at the Labour Party national secretariat in Abuja, days after the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
His announcement has intensified speculation over the Labour Party’s future and the broader opposition’s strategy ahead of the next general election.
Addressing party faithful, Baba-Ahmed dismissed claims that his decision was prompted by Obi’s departure, stressing that his presidential aspiration predates the 2023 polls.
“I have decided to contest the presidency in 2027. I am not following anyone’s trajectory or stepping into anyone’s shoes,” he said.
“Before Peter Obi filed to run for president, I had already aspired to contest. The records are there.”
The former lawmaker recalled his earlier presidential bid, noting that he participated in the Peoples Democratic Party primaries in 2018, where he sought Obi’s support.
“I walked to Obi for his vote, and he smiled at me. What a gentleman,” he said, adding that he later aligned with Obi in 2023 in the interest of national unity.
“I saw a rare opportunity for Nigeria to unite, and that was why I flowed with it,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also addressed concerns over religion and ethnicity, insisting that the constitution guarantees every qualified Nigerian the right to seek elective office.
“Yes, I am a practising Muslim. Yes, I am a Hausa man. But I am a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest. Nigeria needs help,” he said.
He stressed that he would abide strictly by party and electoral guidelines, adding that he would wait for INEC’s timetable and Labour Party procedures before taking further steps.
Reacting, Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, commended Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party despite speculation of a possible defection following Obi’s exit.
Abure said the development showed that the Labour Party remained intact, noting that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, had also reaffirmed his commitment to the party.
He disclosed that Baba-Ahmed contacted him on the night Obi defected, pledging his loyalty to the Labour Party.
“The Labour Party is intact. We will not let Nigerians down,” Abure said.
Baba-Ahmed’s declaration adds fresh momentum to early positioning for the 2027 presidential race, as opposition parties navigate shifting alliances and internal realignments.
