Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, on Wednesday formally declared his intention to run for president in 2027, saying his ambition “predates” former running mate Peter Obi.
Baba-Ahmed made the announcement at a rally at the Labour Party national secretariat in Abuja, days after Obi left the party for the African Democratic Congress.
Addressing supporters, he 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.”
He reminded the crowd that his presidential interest goes back years and told listeners: “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 also stressed that religion and ethnicity would not bar him from contesting: “Yes, I am a practising Muslim… Yes, I am a Hausa man, and the Nigerian constitution also allows me to contest.”
Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure praised Baba-Ahmed for remaining in the party after recent defections, saying the move showed the party “remained intact” and pledged unity.
Abure said Baba-Ahmed even suggested a meeting of party leaders to reaffirm solidarity.
Baba-Ahmed said he will follow party and electoral rules before formally becoming an aspirant, adding he will wait for the party and INEC timetable.
