Datti Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition, Reaffirms Loyalty to Labour Party

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has formally declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections, reaffirming his loyalty to the Labour Party (LP) and distancing himself from ongoing coalition talks among opposition forces.

Speaking during a high-profile political gathering, Datti stated emphatically that while he has attended meetings and listened to coalition proposals, he remains fully committed to the Labour Party, a political platform he described as having made historic strides in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

“I have attended and I have listened to the coalition attempts, yet I still remain in Labour Party,” Datti declared.

“I am not one to sleepwalk into any political arrangements. I call on all well-meaning politicians and members of Labour Party not to sleepwalk and allow themselves to be led into what they still are not comfortable with.”

Reflecting on the lessons from Nigeria’s political history, Datti emphasized that removing a failing government is not enough; what follows is far more critical.

“A government was removed and what followed after was disaster,” he said, apparently referring to the transition after the 2015 elections. “The kind of government we form is more important to me than just the act of removing one.”

Datti also used the opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections. He cited the party’s initial claim of 10 million votes later officially reduced to 6.1 million as evidence of the party’s unprecedented rise and relevance.

“Labour Party is not a party to walk away from.

The successes and history recorded are unique and unparalleled,” he said. “The act of state capture is a more onerous task than causing disunity and disaffection among and within political parties.”

Positioning himself as both a loyal member and a peacemaker, Datti underscored the need for national unity, good governance, and purposeful leadership, warning that the political instability seen since 2023 has been a disservice to Nigerians.

“I’m here as a loyal party member. I’m here as a peacemaker,” he concluded, signaling both readiness and resolve ahead of the 2027 polls.

Datti’s declaration adds new dynamics to Nigeria’s political landscape, setting the stage for a high-stakes presidential race and raising fresh questions about the future of coalition talks within the opposition bloc.