Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition for Labour Party

Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition for Labour Party

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s (LP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has formally announced his presidential ambition for 2027, positioning himself as a key contender in Nigeria’s emerging electoral landscape.

Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of former LP presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the announcement on Wednesday during a rally at the Labour Party national secretariat in Abuja. His declaration comes just a week after Obi left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has stirred debates over the party’s direction and the broader opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that his ambition is independent and 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. Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired to the office. The records are there for you to see,” he said.

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He also recalled his previous attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2018, before joining Obi in the Labour Party. “In October 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even walked to Obi for his vote. He smiled at me—a true gentleman. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to elect Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I went along with it,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

Addressing questions on religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed underscored Nigeria’s constitutional guarantee for every qualified citizen to seek elective office. “Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am first a Nigerian. The constitution allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

He assured that he would respect party and electoral rules, stating: “As a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, I will wait for INEC’s timetable and the Labour Party leadership’s call for aspirants before taking further steps. But Nigerians know the truth.”

Baba-Ahmed’s declaration adds a new dimension to the 2027 presidential race, highlighting early positioning by opposition figures amid shifting alliances and internal party realignments.

Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition for Labour Party