Datti Baba-Ahmed declares 2027 presidential ambition, insists Labour Party remains his political home

Former Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally announced his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, signalling an early move in Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape.

Baba-Ahmed made the declaration on Wednesday at a rally held at the Labour Party national secretariat in Abuja, where he addressed party leaders, members, and supporters. His announcement comes amid heightened political realignments, particularly following the recent defection of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Addressing speculation that his decision was linked to Obi’s exit, Baba-Ahmed said his presidential ambition was longstanding and independent of recent political developments.

He noted that he had harboured presidential aspirations even before the 2023 election and had previously sought his party’s ticket in earlier political cycles.

The former lawmaker recalled contesting in the 2018 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, explaining that he later chose to run alongside Obi in 2023 in what he described as a rare opportunity to promote national unity.

Baba-Ahmed also dismissed concerns surrounding religion and ethnicity, insisting that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.

He said his decision to run was driven by a desire to contribute to national recovery at a time when the country faces significant challenges.