2027: “Peter Obi free to contest without me” – Datti Baba-Ahmed

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has said that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, is free to contest for the presidency again in 2027—whether or not he returns as his running mate.

Speaking during an interview on The Morning Brief, a programme aired by Channels Television on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he fully supports Obi’s ambition to reclaim the party’s ticket.

“The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me,” he stated, adding that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is also welcome to adopt a southern candidate.

Baba-Ahmed emphasized the need for capable and compassionate leadership in Nigeria, stressing that the country deserves leaders who deliver results, not excuses.

“We want capacity. We want compassion. We want people who will develop Nigeria, leaders that matter—leaders that deliver promises, not those who will promise governance and deliver disaster,” he said.

He also addressed concerns that Obi’s recent involvement in coalition talks, especially those led by the ADC, could be viewed as anti-party activity.

He dismissed such claims, saying coalition building is part of a broader political realignment.

“This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation,” he explained. “The meaning of a coalition is that political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together.”

Baba-Ahmed further emphasized the need for the South to produce the next president in 2027, expressing his support for regional rotation of power.

Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed were the Labour Party’s flagbearers in the 2023 presidential election.

Obi came third, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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