Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has formally declared his intention to run for the presidency of Nigeria in the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made at a rally held today at the Labour Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja where party members and supporters gathered.
Addressing the crowd, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential ambition is not a reaction to recent political shifts — including former running mate *Peter Obi’s departure from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) last week — but rather a long-standing aspiration:
“I have made myself available to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” Baba-Ahmed told supporters. “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 reiterated that his ambition is grounded in Nigeria’s constitutional rights, dismissing any notion that religion or ethnicity limits his eligibility. “Yes, I am a practicing Muslim… Yes, I am a Hausa man… But Nigeria’s constitution allows any qualified citizen to contest,” he added.
Loyalty to Labour Party Despite Obi’s Exit
Baba-Ahmed also reassured party members of his commitment to the Labour Party, asserting that he will remain with the party platform even as some key figures rethink their political alignments. He described alternative political groupings like the ADC as “disgruntled politicians,” implying they lack the coherent political vision required for national leadership.
In response, Julius Abure, the Labour Party’s National Chairman, commended Baba-Ahmed’s loyalty and leadership, saying his decision to stay in the party demonstrates its resilience and unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abure further noted that other leaders, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, have also chosen to remain within the Labour Party structure.
Opposition Realignment Ahead of 2027
Baba-Ahmed’s announcement comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s political landscape. Peter Obi’s exit from the Labour Party in favor of the ADC has sparked widespread discussion on opposition strategy and unity going into the next presidential cycle.
Baba-Ahmed’s bid adds a new dimension to the contest, as parties reposition ahead of the 2027 polls.
