The Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027, as political realignments continue to reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Baba-Ahmed made the announcement on Wednesday during a rally at the Labour Party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
His declaration comes just days after the party’s former presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has sparked widespread debate about the future of the Labour Party and the direction of the opposition ahead of the next general election.
Speaking before party leaders and supporters, Baba-Ahmed stressed that his ambition was long-standing and not influenced by Obi’s recent political decision. According to him, his interest in the presidency dates back to a period before the 2023 elections.
“I have presented myself to contest for the presidency in 2027. I am not following anyone’s path or stepping into anyone’s position,” he said.
“Before His Excellency Peter Obi declared his presidential ambition, I had already aspired to run for the office. The records are there.”
The former lawmaker recalled his earlier participation in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries, noting that his political journey predated his alliance with Obi under the Labour Party.
“In October 2018, I contested in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt. I even approached Peter Obi to request his vote, and he responded warmly,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“When I saw a rare opportunity for national unity in 2023 through Peter Obi’s candidacy, I decided to support that vision.”
Addressing concerns around religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed maintained that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to contest for public office.
“Yes, I am a practising Muslim. Yes, I am Hausa. But above all, I am a Nigerian, and the constitution gives me the right to contest. I am doing this because the country needs urgent help,” he said.
Despite publicly declaring his interest, Baba-Ahmed said he would comply fully with party rules and electoral procedures.
“Until INEC releases its timetable and the Labour Party officially invites aspirants, I will not go beyond this declaration. But Nigerians already know the truth,” he added.
In his reaction, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, praised Baba-Ahmed for remaining with the party amid speculations that he might defect following Obi’s exit.
Abure said Baba-Ahmed’s decision showed that the Labour Party remained united, noting that other prominent figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, had also chosen to stay.
“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 Peter Obi left, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed personally called me to affirm that he was staying. He reminded me that this was the platform on which they collectively secured millions of votes in 2023.”
The party chairman further revealed that Baba-Ahmed proposed a gathering of party leaders and members to reinforce unity.
“He initially suggested a small meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, which he offered to sponsor. However, we agreed it would be better to meet here at the party secretariat with our members, artisans, and grassroots supporters. That is why we are here today,” Abure explained.
According to him, the Labour Party remains focused on offering Nigerians a credible alternative.
“The party is intact. We will stay united and will not disappoint Nigerians,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed’s announcement has introduced a new dynamic into early discussions around the 2027 presidential race, as political parties begin strategic positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.
