Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has officially declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, amid ongoing shifts within Nigeria’s opposition political landscape.
Baba-Ahmed made the announcement on Wednesday at a rally held at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja. His declaration comes just one week after the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked widespread debate about the future of the Labour Party and the broader opposition.
Speaking to party faithful, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his ambition was not influenced by Obi’s political decisions, noting that his desire to run for president predates the 2023 election.
“I have formally declared my intention to contest the presidency in 2027. I am not following anyone’s path or attempting to replace anyone,” he said. “Before His Excellency Peter Obi entered the presidential race, I had already nursed presidential ambitions. The records are available.”
The former lawmaker recalled that he previously sought his party’s presidential ticket during the Peoples Democratic Party primaries in 2018 before later teaming up with Obi in the Labour Party for the 2023 election.
“In October 2018, I contested in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even approached Obi for his vote. He smiled and supported me,” Baba-Ahmed said. “When I saw a rare opportunity for national unity in Obi’s candidacy in 2023, I chose to support that cause.”
Addressing concerns surrounding religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed stressed that the Nigerian Constitution grants every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.
“Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but above all, I am Nigerian. The Constitution allows me to contest, and I am doing this because the country needs urgent help,” he stated.
He added that while he has made his intentions public, he would strictly follow party rules and electoral guidelines.
“Until INEC releases its timetable and the Labour Party formally calls for aspirants, I will refrain from further campaigning. But Nigerians know the truth,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure praised Baba-Ahmed for remaining with the party despite speculations of possible defection following Obi’s exit.
Abure said Baba-Ahmed’s decision, alongside that of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, demonstrated that the party remains united.
“Governor Alex Otti has made it clear that he joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi and has no intention of leaving,” Abure said. “On the night Obi defected, Baba-Ahmed personally called me to affirm his loyalty to the party.”
According to Abure, Baba-Ahmed also proposed a meeting of party leaders and members to reinforce unity, initially suggesting a private gathering at a hotel before agreeing to a broader rally at the party secretariat.
“The Labour Party remains strong and united. We will continue to offer Nigerians a credible alternative,” Abure said.
Baba-Ahmed’s declaration adds a new layer to the evolving 2027 presidential race as political parties begin early maneuvering amid changing opposition alliances.
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