Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed says he will consider running for president in 2027 if Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, decides not to contest.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate in 2023, made the comment on Tuesday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television.
He said his interest in the race would depend not just on Obi’s decision, but also on whether another unnamed political figure from the south chooses to step aside.
Baba-Ahmed, however, noted that the presidency is not a desperate pursuit for him.
He reaffirmed his support for Obi, describing him as someone who should be given the opportunity to contest again under the Labour Party.
“Look at my trajectory; I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019 I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“Labour Party’s arms are open to welcome back Peter Obi. I would like Peter Obi to win the nomination of Labour Party and contest in 2027, with or without me.
“I religiously supported Peter Obi like I would do again. So, in 2027, unless two certain people I have tremendous respect for decide not to take it, and God Almighty in His infinite mercy keeps dropping it for me.
“Except if that happens, I can tell you Peter Obi for sure, because he is in the game; he contested before. Yes, I am with him and I will support him.
”If he (Obi) doesn’t, and one other person — I won’t call his name — from the South; if they don’t contest. Otherwise, I am not ambitious. My key ambition: stop the killings, stop the stealing.”
He also dismissed speculation about plans to defect from the Labour Party, saying he was not convinced about joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
