The Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Wednesday formally declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition space.
Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the declaration at a rally held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, barely a week after Obi announced his departure from the party for the African Democratic Congress.
He said his ambition was not influenced by Obi’s political decisions, stressing that his aspiration to lead the country predates the 2023 general election.
Addressing party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed said, “I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” adding that he had earlier sought his party’s presidential ticket before aligning with Obi.
He also dismissed concerns around religion and ethnicity, saying, “Yes, I am a practising Muslim. But I’m a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest… I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help.”
Reacting, Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, praised Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party despite speculations of defection, saying the development showed the party remained united and committed to providing a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.