ABUJA, Nigeria — Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has said he may consider running for president in the 2027 general election, but only if Peter Obi, his former running mate, decides not to contest.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his loyalty to Obi and said he would fully support the former Anambra State governor should he seek the Labour Party’s presidential ticket again.
“Labour Party’s arms are open to welcome back Peter Obi,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“I would like Peter Obi to win the nomination of Labour Party and contest in 2027, with or without me. I religiously supported Peter Obi like I would do again.”
The former senator added that his own interest in the presidency was not driven by personal ambition, noting that he would only consider contesting if both Obi and another unnamed political figure from the South decide to withdraw from the race.
“In 2027, unless two certain people I have tremendous respect for decide not to take it, and God Almighty in His infinite mercy keeps dropping it for me… except if that happens, I can tell you Peter Obi for sure,” he said.
“Because he is in the game; he contested before. Yes, I am with him and I will support him.”
Baba-Ahmed, who made a failed bid for the presidency in 2019, described the office as “not a desperate pursuit” and reiterated that his primary motivation for seeking public office is to “stop the killings, stop the stealing.”
He also dismissed rumours suggesting he was considering leaving the Labour Party for another platform, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“I am not convinced about joining the ADC,” he said, shutting down ongoing speculation over his political future.
The statement comes amid internal recalibrations within opposition parties as Nigeria begins to look toward the 2027 electoral cycle.
Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election behind Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, is yet to publicly declare his intentions regarding a potential comeback.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks appear to signal continuity within the Labour Party’s leadership ranks, even as questions mount about alliances, defections, and party restructuring ahead of the next polls.
