Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections Datti Baba-Ahmed has formally announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 elections.
Mr Baba-Ahmed made the declaration at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
His announcement comes about a week after former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi announced his departure from the party to join the African Democratic Congress.
Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed said his decision to contest was not influenced by Obi’s political moves and that his presidential ambition predates the 2023 election.
He stated, “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. 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 recalled an earlier attempt to secure a presidential ticket, noting that he participated in the Peoples Democratic Party primaries in October 2018.
He said his decision to join Obi in the Labour Party in 2023 was based on the opportunity he saw for national unity.
Addressing questions on religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed said the Nigerian constitution allows any qualified citizen to seek elective office.
He said, “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 also stated that he would follow party and electoral guidelines, adding that he would not take further steps until the timetable is released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Labour Party leadership calls for aspirants.
Labour Party National chairman Julius Abure commended Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party after Obi’s exit.
Abure said several key figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, have also chosen to stay.
He said Baba-Ahmed suggested a meeting of party leaders and members to reaffirm unity.
Datti Baba-Ahmed’s declaration adds a new development to the 2027 presidential contest as parties begin positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.
