Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that he might run for president in the 2027 general election—depending on certain conditions.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Datti said he would only consider the race if Peter Obi and another unnamed political figure from the South opt out of the contest.
He stressed that his decision would not be fueled by personal ambition but by a commitment to national service.
“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,”
“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.” Datti said.
He emphasized that Obi remains his preferred candidate and reaffirmed his unwavering support for him.
“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. 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. My key ambition is to stop the killings, stop the stealing, stop the slide.”
Recall that Baba-Ahmed was the running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, where the Labour Party came third, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.