The Labour Party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has stated that he will consider running for the presidency in 2027 only under specific circumstances.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that he is not driven by ambition and does not view contesting for the presidency as a do-or-die mission.
According to him, his decision to enter the 2027 race would depend entirely on the withdrawal of two key individuals he holds in high esteem—one of whom is Peter Obi, his 2023 presidential running mate. He stressed his loyalty and continued support for Obi.
“I religiously supported Peter Obi like I would do again. So, 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,” he said.
“Except if that happens, I can tell you Peter Obi for sure because he is in the game, he contested before.
“Yes, I am with him and I will support him. If he doesn’t and one other person that I won’t call his name from the South; if they don’t contest.
“Otherwise, I am not ambitious, my key ambition; stop the killings, stop the stealing…” he added.
Baba-Ahmed also addressed reports suggesting that he had declared his intention to run for president under the Labour Party. These reports emerged shortly after a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Abure-led faction of the party.
Dismissing the claims, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he never made such a declaration. “Some people speak their fears, it is not true, I never said that (contesting for presidency).
“There’s electronic evidence of the entire procession, I never said that. Look at my trajectory, and I have said this repeatedly, that in 2019, I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others.
“And during that contest, I felt so honoured by a certain act which probably few people or even no one recognised,” he stated.
