The Labour Party is facing a period of political realignment following the departure of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with his former running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, indicating he may contest the presidency on the party’s platform in 2027.
Baba-Ahmed, who was the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the last general election, spoke on Wednesday at a rally of party members at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where he confirmed his decision to remain in the party after Obi’s defection to the African Democratic Congress.
The former federal lawmaker said he harboured no resentment towards Obi over his exit, noting that their joint ticket in 2023 provided a platform that attracted millions of votes nationwide.
He recalled that he had previously sought the presidency in 2019 and agreed to run with Obi four years later in what he described as an attempt to unify Nigerians. Baba-Ahmed said he would announce his next political move at the appropriate time, adding that he believed he possessed the credentials required to contest the nation’s highest office.
Earlier at the gathering, Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, played down concerns that Obi’s departure would weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abure said while Obi contributed to the party’s performance in 2023, its electoral gains could not be attributed to one individual alone. He pointed to the influx of influential figures into the party before the last election and cited Abia State Governor Alex Otti as an example of a prominent member who joined the Labour Party before Obi.
The party chairman also disclosed that Baba-Ahmed had contacted him shortly after Obi’s defection to reaffirm his commitment to the party and propose a meeting with members, which eventually led to the rally held at the party secretariat.
Abure maintained that the Labour Party remained united and capable of offering Nigerians an alternative political platform as preparations for future elections continue.
