2027: Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares Presidential Ambition, Rejects Coalition with “Spent Forces”

2027: Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares Presidential Ambition, Rejects Coalition with “Spent Forces”

Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 vice-presidential candidate, has formally declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure-led LP faction in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed also pledged to work toward reconciling the party’s divided factions.

The Abure-led faction, recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has distanced itself from Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, who recently declared his own 2027 bid under the Nenadi Usman-led LP faction. That faction, which held its own NEC meeting over the weekend, reappointed Senator Usman as interim chairman and Senator Darlington Nkwocha as interim national secretary. The meeting was attended by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.

Dismissing the Nenadi Usman faction as irrelevant, the Abure-led group vowed not to enter into any coalition with political actors it described as “spent forces” who previously misused national opportunities. Instead, it promised to rebuild the party from within.

Meanwhile, the Nenadi Usman group has welcomed collaboration with other political entities such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and endorsed Peter Obi’s alignment with them.

In his address, Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and his commitment to healing internal divisions.

“Labour Party is not one to desert. Its achievements and history in Nigerian politics are both unique and unprecedented,” he said.

Highlighting his concerns about national issues, he noted that the “state capture” problem facing Nigeria was more urgent than any party infighting.

Reflecting on post-2023 developments, Baba-Ahmed said:

“Much has happened since 2023. I return as a loyal party member, a peacemaker, and someone ready to reconcile differing views.”

Defending his involvement in coalition meetings, he clarified:

“Morally, if your neighbours invite you to discuss security, you must attend. However, if the discussions shift, you reserve the right to return to your original position.”

He reiterated his refusal to be part of any blind political alliance and advised party members to avoid being lured into compromising deals.

Abure commended Baba-Ahmed for backing the faction’s leadership and formally expressing his 2027 presidential interest. He emphasized that the LP would not join any coalition ahead of the next election.

“NEC in session reiterates that Labour Party will not be part of any coalition for the 2027 general election,” Abure said.

“NEC believes the 2023 coalition was more impactful than any other. We will rebuild, reconcile, and consolidate the gains of that election.”

He also denounced the Nenadi Usman-led NEC meeting, calling it illegal and in violation of the party’s constitution.

“NEC disassociates from the meeting’s outcomes, including the renaming of the illegal Umuahia Caretaker Committee as an Interim National Working Committee. Illegality cannot be legitimised by rebranding. The so-called Interim NWC remains unlawful.”

Citing the Supreme Court’s April 4 ruling, Abure reaffirmed the legitimacy of the March 27, 2024 national convention in Nnewi and called on INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to abide by the decision.

He announced that NEC had approved congresses at ward, local government, and state levels and warned LP members collaborating with other parties to return—or risk disciplinary action.

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“The constitution of the party is very clear and the constitution of Nigeria is equally clear, that you cannot belong to two political parties at the same time.

We are, therefore, using this opportunity to say that our doors are open. They should sheathe their swords and come back to the house.

If they come back and apologise, we are ready to forgive them because we believe that there is no victor and there is no vanquished.”

Among those present at the meeting were: National Secretary Alhaji Farouk, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, National Youth Leader Ken Ahanotu and LP state chairmen from all 36 states and the FCT.