2027: Peter Obi Can Be Labour Party’s Presidential Flag Bearer With Or Without Me – Datti Baba-Ahmed

 

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party during the 2023 general election, has publicly affirmed that Peter Obi is fully welcome to seek the party's presidential ticket for 2027, regardless of whether he runs alongside him or not. His remarks came during an appearance on Channels Television’s political program, The Morning Brief, where he addressed various issues ranging from party loyalty to political alliances ahead of the next general election.

During the broadcast, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his political principles remain grounded in the pursuit of good governance and national development. He noted that while his partnership with Peter Obi during the 2023 elections was one built on mutual respect and a shared vision, Obi’s path forward with the Labour Party is not dependent on his own participation as a running mate.

According to him, the doors of the Labour Party remain wide open for Obi, who has continued to command influence among Nigerian voters, particularly the youth and middle class. He clarified that Obi’s continued involvement in coalition talks, especially those involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is not a betrayal of the party’s interests but rather a reflection of ongoing political realignments in the country.

“They are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for; one is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly,” Baba-Ahmed said, referring to Obi and an unnamed second individual involved in the current political discussions.

He added, “The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me. And the ADC is welcome to adopt a southern candidate.”

The vice-presidential hopeful from 2023 also responded to questions about his perspective on zoning arrangements, a recurring issue in Nigerian politics. Baba-Ahmed stated clearly that he supports a southern presidency in the 2027 election cycle, aligning himself with calls from various quarters advocating for political equity and inclusion.

“It is my belief that the South should produce the next president. This is important for the balance and stability of the country,” he said.

Speaking on the nature of political coalitions and cross-party engagements, Baba-Ahmed described the current political moment as fluid and evolving. He insisted that attending coalition meetings or collaborating across party lines should not be hastily labeled as disloyalty or rebellion.

“This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation. The meaning of a coalition is that political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together,” he explained. “I attended coalition meetings. Peter Obi is welcome to continue to attend those coalition meetings.”

His comments reflect a growing acceptance of coalition politics in Nigeria, where fragmented party structures and divided voter bases often necessitate strategic alliances to build national appeal.

Observers see Baba-Ahmed’s remarks as both supportive and strategic. By signaling that he is not indispensable to Obi’s future candidacy, he leaves room for broader political calculations while affirming his ongoing commitment to the Labour Party’s ideals. This flexibility, some analysts suggest, could pave the way for expanded alliances in the run-up to 2027.

Political analysts have noted that Baba-Ahmed’s statements might also serve to reassure party faithful and voters who have remained loyal to the Labour Party since its historic run in 2023. The Obi-Datti ticket attracted millions of votes and reshaped the political conversation in Nigeria, positioning the party as a significant third force in a landscape previously dominated by two major parties.

As conversations about potential presidential aspirants heat up ahead of the next election cycle, both Obi and Baba-Ahmed seem to be playing the long game. With the Labour Party still solidifying its national presence and expanding its grassroots influence, the party’s leadership appears focused on creating a broad, inclusive platform capable of appealing across regional and ethnic lines.

By acknowledging the need for collaboration and emphasizing the flexibility of political roles, Baba-Ahmed may be helping to set the tone for a more issue-focused campaign season. His message to the public was clear: the ultimate goal is not personal ambition, but a better Nigeria led by capable, responsible leaders.

As the political terrain continues to shift, one thing appears certain. Peter Obi remains a central figure in the Labour Party’s plans, and with or without his 2023 running mate, the door to a 2027 presidential run remains wide open.