By Muhammad Mamman
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s (LP) vice-presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, has formally declared his intention to run for president in 2027, distancing his ambition from that of former running mate Peter Obi.
Speaking during his announcement, Datti said his decision was neither influenced by anyone nor tied to existing political trajectories, insisting his political path predates the Obi phenomenon.
“I am not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said. “I aspired for the presidency in 2019, long before Peter Obi declared to run in 2023.”
His declaration signals a significant development within the Labour Party—once galvanised by the “Obidient” movement—and raises questions about the party’s internal strategy ahead of the next general election.
Datti, an economist and former senator, said his focus is on offering Nigerians a credible alternative for governance, adding that his political vision remains rooted in equity, justice and economic reform.
The Labour Party has yet to issue an official statement on whether Datti’s emergence aligns with its broader plan for 2027, as internal consultations continue.
Nigeria’s next presidential election is slated for February 2027, with parties expected to begin shaping their candidate lists in the coming months.
