By Sodiq Adelakun
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed announced his ambition on Wednesday at a rally held at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where he addressed party members and supporters.
His declaration comes amid major realignments within the opposition, following the recent exit of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking at the event, Baba-Ahmed said his presidential aspiration predates the 2023 general election and is not tied to the political decisions of any individual.
“I have made myself available to contest for the presidency in 2027. I am not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said, adding that his ambition existed even before Obi declared for president.
He recalled contesting the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primaries in 2018, noting that he later joined Obi on the Labour Party ticket in 2023 because he believed it offered a unique opportunity for national unity.
Baba-Ahmed also addressed concerns around religion and ethnicity, stressing that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.
“I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but first and foremost, I am a Nigerian. Nigeria needs help, and I believe I can contribute,” he said.
The former senator assured party members that he would abide by electoral laws and party guidelines, stating that he would wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable and Labour Party directives before taking further steps.
Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation that he plans to leave the Labour Party, declaring that he will not follow his former running mate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He stressed that his decisions are guided by personal conviction and long-term political objectives rather than shifting political alliances.
Baba-Ahmed said he had no intention of exiting the party despite Obi’s recent departure and alignment with the ADC as part of an emerging opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, he is not convinced by the ADC project, describing some of its promoters as disgruntled politicians whose agenda does not align with the direction Nigeria urgently needs.
While acknowledging his past political partnership with Obi, Baba-Ahmed maintained that loyalty to principles must take precedence over personal relationships. He said his focus is on strengthening the Labour Party and positioning it as a credible alternative for Nigerians.
The senator also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remains ready to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing the country’s challenges as preparations for the 2027 general election gradually take shape.
