Former Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that only two specific individuals could prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi being one of them.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed outlined his conditional approach to seeking the presidency, emphasizing his unwavering support for his former running mate.
The Labour Party chieftain made clear that his presidential ambitions remain secondary to his loyalty to Obi, stating he would only consider running if both Obi and another unnamed southern politician decide against contesting the election.
“Look at my trajectory, and I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019 I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others,” Baba-Ahmed reflected, referencing his previous presidential attempt.
He emphasized his continued commitment to supporting Obi’s political aspirations, declaring, “I religiously supported Peter Obi and I would do so again in 2027, unless certain two people that I have tremendous respect for decide not to take it, and God Almighty in His infinite mercies keeps dropping it for me.”
While identifying Obi as one of the two individuals whose decisions would influence his own political calculations, Baba-Ahmed declined to name the second person, only describing them as someone from the southern part of Nigeria for whom he holds “tremendous respect.”
The former vice presidential candidate expressed confidence in Obi’s likely participation in the 2027 race, stating, “Except if that happens, I can tell you Peter will contest for sure because he’s in the game, he contested before, I’ll support him.”
Baba-Ahmed clarified that his potential presidential bid would only materialize under very specific circumstances, saying, “If he doesn’t, or another person that I won’t call his name from the South, if they don’t contest, otherwise I’m not ambitious.”
Rather than personal political ambition, the Labour Party figure framed his potential candidacy around addressing Nigeria’s fundamental challenges, explaining that his primary motivation centers on national reform.
“My key ambition is to stop the killings, stop the stealing, stop the slide,” he declared, outlining what he sees as the core issues requiring urgent attention in Nigerian governance.
The statement provides insight into the Labour Party’s internal dynamics and succession planning as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle, with Baba-Ahmed positioning himself as a loyal deputy willing to step forward only if his preferred candidates withdraw from consideration.
His conditional approach to the 2027 presidential race reflects the complex political calculations within opposition parties as they strategize for the upcoming election cycle while maintaining unity among key figures.
