Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed made the announcement on Tuesday at a rally held at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where he addressed party members and supporters.
His declaration comes barely a week after the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, announced his exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, Baba-Ahmed stressed that his decision to run was independent of Obi’s recent political move.
Addressing speculation around the timing of his announcement, Baba-Ahmed said his presidential ambition was longstanding and not a reaction to developments within the party.
“I have made myself available to contest for the office in 2027. I am not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said.
He added that his aspiration predates the 2023 election cycle, noting that he had sought the presidency even before Obi emerged as the Labour Party’s flagbearer.
“Before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I had already aspired to the office. The records are there for everyone to see,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
The declaration signals the beginning of early political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, as major parties and key political figures begin positioning for the contest.