2027: Obi’s former running mate Baba-Ahmed joins presidential race

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

Baba-Ahmed made the announcement during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure-led faction of the party, held in Abuja on Sunday.

Addressing party leaders and members, he pledged to reconcile the warring factions within the Labour Party, emphasizing that unity was essential for the party’s survival and success ahead of the next elections.

The Abure-led faction, which currently has the recognition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has notably distanced itself from Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer.

Last month Obi, declared interest to run for president again in 2027.

READ ALSO: Datti Baba-Ahmed meets Abure-led Labour Party faction, vows to restore unity

The former Anmabra State Governor is aligning with the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the LP.

That faction had its NEC meeting at the weekend where it reappointed Senator Usman as interim chairman and Sen. Darlington Nkwocha as interim national secretary.

The meeting was attended by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero.

That faction dismissed the Abure-led group as irrelevant.

The Abure faction ruled out any deal with the coalition, describing members as “spent forces” who squandered the national resources when they were in power.

The faction said it would rebuild, reconcile and consolidate on the gains of the 2023 elections instead of forging an unnecessary collaboration with those who misused past opportunities.

On the contrary, the Nenadi Usman faction believes in working with coalition politicians in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

It endorsed Obi’s romance with the ADC.

Unfolding his ambition, Baba-Ahmed, described himself as a committed member who could unite the party.

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

Baba-Ahmed described state capture as a more serious challenge than political disunity within parties.

Reflecting on 2023 poll, he said Nigerians who were promised governance, were being manoeuvred across the six regions.

Reiterating his resolve to forge reconciliation, Baba-Ahmed said: “Much has happened since 2023. I return as a loyal party member, a peacemaker, and someone ready to reconcile differing views.”

He, however, defended his participation in the coalition meeting, saying that the focus of the coalition is to strengthen national security.

He added: “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.”

Baba-Ahmed clarified that although he had listened to coalition proposals, even as an LP chieftain, he refused to enter political arrangements blindly.

He urged party members to avoid being led into uncomfortable political compromises.

Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his commitment to reconciling all opposing views within the LP “as a responsible leader should.”

He emphasised that his efforts were not driven by personal ambition, selfish interests, or resentment toward any group.

Abure praised Baba-Ahmed for aligning with the factional leadership and declaring his 2027 interest.

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

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

“The LP is ideologically distinct, with programmes and philosophy that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

“We therefore cannot align with politically spent forces who previously mismanaged the nation’s resources and opportunities.”

Abure condemned a parallel meeting held by the Nenadi-Usman faction, saying that it violated the LP Constitution.

He added: “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.”

Abure explained that Article 14(4)(B) of the Constitution empowers only the National Secretary, with the Chairman’s approval, to convene meetings.

He insisted that there is no leadership vacuum, adding that the party held its National Convention on March 27, last year in Nnewi, in consonance with the legal frameworks and party rules.

“The Supreme Court validated the convention through its verdict delivered on April 4,” Abure said.

He urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to respect the Supreme Court ruling.

Abure added: “Based on this, NEC urges the public to disregard the so-called meeting and its resolutions. NEC reaffirms confidence in the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee and calls for continued loyalty to party leadership.”

He said the NEC approved congresses at state, local government, and ward levels, in line with the party’s constitution.

The factional chairman urged members who are fraternising with other political parties to return to the LP.

He said the party’s doors are open to those who wish to return, provided they realise their actions.

He said: “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 watching members romancing other parties and at the appropriate time, the party organs will decide what will happen.

“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.”

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 Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

(Nation)