Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Wednesday formally announced his intention to run for president in 2027, amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria’s opposition.
Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the announcement at a rally at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
His declaration comes just a week after Obi left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked debate over the party’s future and the broader direction of the opposition ahead of the next general election.
Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that his ambition is independent and predates the 2023 election.
“I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said. “Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired to the office. The records are there for you to see.”
He recalled his earlier attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the PDP primaries in 2018 before joining Obi in the Labour Party.
“In October 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even walked to Obi for his vote. He smiled at me—a true gentleman. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to elect Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I went along with it,” Baba-Ahmed said.
Addressing concerns about religion and ethnicity, he highlighted that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.
“Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am first a Nigerian. The constitution allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also stressed that he would respect party and electoral rules.
“As a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, I will wait for INEC’s timetable and the Labour Party leadership’s call for aspirants before taking further steps. But Nigerians know the truth,” he added.
His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential race, as parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.
