I’ll Only Run for Presidency in 2027 If Peter Obi Steps Aside, Clarifies Datti Baba-Ahmed
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, has made headlines with a statement that could shape the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking during a live appearance on Arise News’ The Morning Show on Monday, July 22, Baba-Ahmed declared that he has no intention to seek the presidency unless Peter Obi, his former running mate, decides not to contest.
“I am not ambitious,” Baba-Ahmed said candidly. “The only way I will contest in 2027 is if Peter Obi decides not to contest. Unless two people—Peter Obi and another person from the South whom I deeply respect but will not mention—decline to run, I will not consider it.”
He emphasized that his political motivation is not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to address national issues.
“I just want to stop the killings, stop the stealing, and stop the slide,” he added, underscoring his commitment to reforms in governance, security, and national development.
The comments come at a time when internal tensions within the Labour Party are growing. Obi’s involvement in an opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has drawn sharp criticism from the Julius Abure-led faction of the LP, which recently issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Obi resign from the party.
While Obi has yet to respond to the ultimatum, Baba-Ahmed’s comments suggest that he still holds deep loyalty to the former Anambra governor and sees Obi’s political future as central to the party’s success.
In the interview, Baba-Ahmed also dismissed notions that he is seeking to position himself as an alternative candidate should internal party divisions force Obi out. Instead, he reiterated that his support for Obi remains firm and that his personal principles would not allow him to run against his former ally.
“I can tell you Peter will contest for sure because he’s in the game,” he said. “If he doesn’t, or if another person I won’t name from the South doesn’t, only then would I even think about it.”
Baba-Ahmed’s measured remarks are seen by analysts as a strategic statement aimed at reinforcing unity within the party and signaling to supporters that the Obi-Datti partnership still stands strong, despite external pressures and internal disputes.
As the 2027 elections slowly take shape, Baba-Ahmed’s remarks have added a new layer to the evolving political conversation, with observers now keen to see whether Peter Obi will officially declare his intention to run—and how the Labour Party’s leadership crisis will be resolved in the months ahead.
