Former Labour Party vice‑presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba‑Ahmed has said he might consider contesting the 2027 presidential election under certain conditions.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Baba‑Ahmed explained that he would only step into the race if Peter Obi and another unnamed figure from the southern region decline to contest.
He made it clear that he is not driven by personal ambition, saying his focus is on national progress and addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“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 said during the interview.
“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,” he stated.
He added, “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.”
Baba‑Ahmed also pledged continued loyalty to Peter Obi, making it clear that he would back him again if Obi chooses to run in 2027.
In the 2023 presidential election, Baba‑Ahmed was Obi’s running mate, with the Labour Party finishing third according to results announced by INEC.