By Trendsetter Tribune 
Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has announced his intention to contest the presidency in 2027, saying his ambition began before that of his former running mate, Peter Obi.
Baba-Ahmed made the declaration on Wednesday during a rally at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, amid internal shifts in the party following Obi’s recent departure to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking to supporters, Baba-Ahmed said his current decision is not tied to Obi’s political move, noting that he had previously sought the presidency before joining the 2023 ticket.
He stated:
“I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes.
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.”
Recalling his earlier presidential bid, Baba-Ahmed referenced his participation in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in 2018, adding that his decision to run alongside Obi in 2023 was motivated by what he viewed as an opportunity to promote national unity.
He said:
“If you heard me well, I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to have elected Peter Obi in 2023. And that is why I decided to flow with it.”
Addressing questions about religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed said the constitution guarantees all eligible Nigerians the right to run for office.
“Yes, I am a practising Muslim… and a Hausa man. But I’m a Nigerian, and the constitution allows me to contest. I’m doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed added that he would follow party procedures and the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before making further political moves.
“Until the timetable is released by INEC and the leadership of the Labour Party calls for interested aspirants, I will not say anything more. But remember I told you that Nigerians know the truth.”
Reacting to the declaration, Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure commended Baba-Ahmed for remaining with the party despite speculation following Obi’s exit.