Former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has stirred political conversations by hinting at a possible run for president in the 2027 general elections. He stated that his decision would depend on whether Peter Obi or another prominent figure from the South chooses to contest.
Speaking during a revealing interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that his interest in the presidency does not stem from personal ambition but from a deep sense of duty, patriotism, and concern for the nation's direction.
“If he [Peter Obi] 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 said during the interview.
He further emphasized his unwavering loyalty to Peter Obi, whom he ran alongside in the 2023 presidential election. Baba-Ahmed noted that he would gladly support Obi again in 2027 if Obi chooses to contest. “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 added.
The seasoned politician also reflected on his previous political journey, particularly his experience during the 2019 presidential race. “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,” he recalled.
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed rose to national prominence as Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 general elections under the Labour Party platform. Though the party finished third according to the official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), their performance was widely considered a major political breakthrough.
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The Only Way I Will Contest in 2027 is If Peter Obi Decides Not to Contest – Baba-Ahmed
I am not ambitious, unless two people, Peter Obi and someone else whom I respect from the south, but will not mention, decide not to run. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Former Vice Presidential…
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) July 22, 2025