In a significant political development, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 election.
A Declaration Amidst Party Realignment
Baba-Ahmed's announcement comes at a pivotal moment, following closely on the heels of his former principal, Peter Obi's, high-profile departure from the Labour Party. Peter Obi announced his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) just one week prior, setting the stage for a major shakeup in Nigeria's opposition politics.
The declaration was made publicly on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, during a rally held at the Labour Party's national secretariat located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. This move signals Baba-Ahmed's commitment to remain within the Labour Party structure despite the exit of its most prominent figure.
"I'm Not Following Anybody's Trajectory"
In his address, Senator Baba-Ahmed struck a note of independent ambition, distancing his presidential quest from being a mere succession of Peter Obi's political path. He emphatically stated, "I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I'm not following anybody's trajectory or stepping into anybody's shoes."
He further laid claim to a longer-standing presidential aspiration, reminding supporters and the public of his political history. "Can I please remind you that before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him? The records are there for you to see," Baba-Ahmed asserted, challenging the narrative that his bid is a direct reaction to recent events.
Implications for the 2027 Political Landscape
This development has several immediate consequences for Nigeria's political scene as the country begins the long build-up to the 2027 polls:
- Labour Party's Future: Baba-Ahmed's decision to stay and run from within the Labour Party provides a potential anchor for the party, which risks a leadership vacuum and member exodus after Obi's exit.
- Opposition Dynamics: The 2027 election could now feature a direct contest between former allies, with Obi likely running on the ADC platform and Baba-Ahmed from the Labour Party, potentially splitting opposition votes.
- Early Campaigning: The declaration, made nearly three years before the election, indicates an early and aggressive start to the campaign season, setting the tone for other aspirants.
The coming months will be crucial in observing how both the Labour Party and the ADC consolidate their structures, attract new members, and position their respective candidates for what promises to be a highly competitive election cycle. Baba-Ahmed's move ensures the Labour Party remains a visible entity in the national conversation, while also raising questions about potential alliances or conflicts within the broader opposition bloc.
