2027: I’ll like Obi to emerge LP candidate – Datti

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has expressed support for Peter Obi to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed said his recent activities within the party were aimed at promoting unity, not furthering personal ambition. “I […]

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has expressed support for Peter Obi to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027.

Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed said his recent activities within the party were aimed at promoting unity, not furthering personal ambition.

“I have clearly said that I am in support of Peter Obi to contest in 2027—a position the party is free to decide. Even so, I have said there is still another great Nigerian individual politician who, if he wishes, I will support wholeheartedly,” he said.

He dismissed claims that he was working against Obi or nursing a presidential ambition. “It is mischief makers that are saying I want to run in 2027, which is not wrong to do—in fact, it is only right to do,” he said.

“If Peter Obi is contesting, I will oppose anyone challenging him. Even if that person is myself, I will oppose myself to challenge Peter Obi,” he said.

On his recent visit to the Julius Abure-led faction of the party, he explained that it was part of a broader reconciliation effort. “I am playing in the interest of the Labour Party. I want all of us to sit down and please be one,” he said.

He maintained that the crisis in the party had not escalated into a full-blown conflict. “It is not as bad as you people are saying. One side has said, ‘our arms are open and we’re ready to discuss the way forward for this party.’ The other side is saying, ‘let us wait and see what INEC decides,’” he said, adding that both Julius Abure and Senator Nenadi Usman remain respected leaders.

Speaking on coalition talks ahead of 2027, Baba-Ahmed cautioned opposition parties to avoid the mistakes of 2015. “If APC is what coalition gave in the past, are we not thinking we just want to fall straight into yet another coalition? All I’m saying is, please stay back and think very well,” he said.

He acknowledged that while coalition politics could be useful, the Labour Party must continue to grow independently. “Labour Party could grow and grow and grow in such a way that it is even more than a coalition,” he said.

Obi’s recent engagements with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have sparked speculation about a possible move from the LP ahead of the 2027 elections. He attended a meeting of the ADC-initiated coalition and promised to serve for one term if that is a condition given by the coalition, raising concerns among LP loyalists about his political future.

The coalition, made up of several opposition elements, is seen by analysts as a potential platform for a consensus presidential candidate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is believed to be a possible beneficiary of such an arrangement, though no formal declaration has been made.

Baba-Ahmed has, however, voiced strong reservations about the ADC-led coalition.