Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party's vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, on Wednesday formally announced his intention to run for president in 2027, amid ongoing realignments within Nigeria's opposition.
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Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the announcement at a rally at the party's national secretariat in Abuja.
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His declaration comes just a week after Obi left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, a move that has sparked debate over the party's future and the broader direction of the opposition ahead of the next general election.
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Speaking to party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that his ambition is independent and predates the 2023 election.
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"I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I'm not following anybody's trajectory or stepping into anybody's shoes,ÔÇØ he said. "Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired to the office. The records are there for you to see.ÔÇØ
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He recalled his earlier attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential ticket, noting that he had contested in the PDP primaries in 2018 before joining Obi in the Labour Party.
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"In October 2018, I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even walked to Obi for his vote. He smiled at me-a true gentleman. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to elect Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I went along with it,ÔÇØ Baba-Ahmed said.
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Addressing concerns about religion and ethnicity, he highlighted that Nigeria's constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office.
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"Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am first a Nigerian. The constitution allows me to contest. I'm doing this because Nigeria needs help,ÔÇØ he said.
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Baba-Ahmed also stressed that he would respect party and electoral rules.
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"As a law-abiding citizen and loyal party member, I will wait for INEC's timetable and the Labour Party leadership's call for aspirants before taking further steps. But Nigerians know the truth,ÔÇØ he added.
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His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging 2027 presidential race, as parties begin early positioning amid shifting alliances within the opposition.
