POLITICS
2027 Presidency: Labour Party’s Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares Presidential Ambition Amid Opposition Realignments
In a move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Wednesday formally declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027. The announcement was made during a rally at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, as Nigeria’s opposition continues to undergo significant realignments.
Baba-Ahmed, who served as running mate to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made clear that his presidential ambition is neither reactionary nor influenced by Obi’s recent political decisions. His declaration comes barely a week after Obi announced his departure from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked intense debate over the future of the party and the direction of opposition politics ahead of the next general election.
Addressing supporters and party members, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential aspiration predates the 2023 election.
“I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes.
“Can I please remind you that before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him? The records are there for you to see,” he stated.
Recalling his earlier political journey, Baba-Ahmed noted his previous attempt to secure his party’s presidential ticket, highlighting a history of principled politics and national vision.
“In October 2018, I participated in the primaries of the then PDP in Port Harcourt and walked to Obi for his vote, and he smiled at me. What a gentleman he was. If you heard me well in what I just submitted, I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to have elected Peter Obi in 2023. And that is why I decided to flow with it,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also addressed concerns about religion and ethnicity, reiterating that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.
“Yes, I am a practising Muslim. But I’m a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest. You asked about my ethnicity.
“Yes, I am a Hausa man, and the Nigerian constitution also allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.
He further reassured Nigerians that his intentions would align with party and electoral rules, emphasizing his commitment to law and order.
“However, as a law-abiding citizen and a loyal party member, until the timetable is released by INEC and the leadership of the Labour Party calls for interested aspirants, I will not say anything about it. But remember I told you that Nigerians know the truth,” he stated.
The announcement has drawn praise from Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure, who commended Baba-Ahmed for remaining loyal to the party despite speculation that he might defect following Obi’s exit.
Abure stressed that this development underscores the Labour Party’s continued unity and stability, highlighting other key figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who have also chosen to stay.
“Only recently, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, told the world that he joined the party before Peter Obi did, this is true.
“Otti also said he was not going to defect to Peter Obi. On the night Peter Obi defected, I received a telephone call from our Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed. He said he is not leaving the party because it was the platform upon which he, along with the former candidate, received 10 million votes from Nigerians, which was reduced to 6 million votes. We all know what happened,” Abure said.
Abure further revealed that Baba-Ahmed personally suggested a meeting of party leaders and members to reaffirm unity, reflecting a commitment to inclusive party engagement.
“In fact, he asked me to organise an event where members can come together. He first suggested that we meet at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel with a few senior members that he would foot the bill. But I suggested that we hold the event here at the party Secretariat and invite our members, artisans and ordinary people who truly own the party, and he agreed. That is why we are having this gathering here today. The Labour Party is intact, we will not let Nigerians down. We will remain together and provide a genuine alternative for Nigerians,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed’s declaration injects new dynamics into the emerging 2027 presidential race, as parties begin early positioning and shifting alliances continue to reshape Nigeria’s political opposition. His move signals a Labour Party that is resolute, unified, and ready to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in the next general election.