Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s (LP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Wednesday formally declared his intention to run for president in 2027, as realignments continue to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate during the last presidential election, made the announcement at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. His declaration comes barely a week after Obi announced his departure from the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), sparking debate over the LP’s future and the broader opposition strategy ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential ambition is independent of Obi’s political decisions and predates the 2023 election.
“I have made myself available to contest for the presidency in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said. “Before His Excellency Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired to the office. The records are there for everyone to see.”
The former lawmaker recounted his previous attempt to secure his party’s presidential ticket in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in Port Harcourt in October 2018, before eventually aligning with Obi under the Labour Party.
“I saw a rare opportunity for national unity in electing Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I decided to flow with it,” he added.
Addressing questions about religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed stressed that the Nigerian constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to contest elective office.
“Yes, I am a practicing Muslim. Yes, I am a Hausa man. But Nigeria’s constitution allows me to contest. I am doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.
He also assured that he would comply with party and electoral guidelines, stating: “Until INEC releases the timetable and the Labour Party formally calls for aspirants, I will not make further statements. But Nigerians know the truth.”
The LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, praised Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party despite speculations of a potential defection following Obi’s exit. Abure noted that other key figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, have also remained loyal to the party.
“On the night Peter Obi defected, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed called to say he was not leaving the party, because it was the platform on which he and Obi received 10 million votes from Nigerians,” Abure said.
Abure also revealed that Baba-Ahmed suggested a gathering of party leaders and members to reaffirm unity, which led to the rally at the LP secretariat.
“The Labour Party is intact. We will remain together and provide a genuine alternative for Nigerians,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed’s declaration adds a fresh dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential contest, as opposition parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances.
