I May Consider Running For President In 2027 – Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed Signals Conditional 2027 Presidential Ambition

 

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has made a notable statement concerning his possible participation in the upcoming 2027 presidential race. During a recent interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, he stated that he could consider joining the contest for the nation’s top political office, but only under specific circumstances.

His interest in the presidency, he clarified, is not fueled by personal ambition or the thirst for power. Rather, it is rooted in a strong desire to serve and reform the nation. Baba-Ahmed stressed that his decision hinges heavily on whether Peter Obi, his former running mate, and another influential yet unnamed political figure from the southern region choose to step aside from the 2027 race.

During the televised interview, Baba-Ahmed took time to reflect on his political journey and philosophy. He noted that he had once aspired to the presidency back in 2019 but was unsuccessful. Despite that setback, he did not waver in his commitment to national progress. Instead, he chose to back Peter Obi wholeheartedly in the 2023 presidential election, and his loyalty to Obi remains unshaken. He emphasized that, should Obi declare his intention to contest again, he would offer him the same unwavering support.

“Look at my trajectory, and I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019 I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others,” Baba-Ahmed stated. He added, “I religiously supported Peter Obi and I would do so again in 2027, unless certain two people that I have tremendous respect for decide not to take it.”

According to him, his potential candidacy would only be considered if Obi and the other southern leader he respects both decline to enter the race. He declined to reveal the identity of the second individual, choosing instead to focus on his guiding motivations: justice, peace, and economic reform. “Unless that happens, I can tell you Peter will contest for sure because he’s in the game, he contested before, I’ll support him,” Baba-Ahmed said.

Rather than seeking office for prestige or power, Baba-Ahmed explained that his ultimate goal is to contribute to putting an end to the widespread insecurity, rampant corruption, and societal decline currently plaguing Nigeria. He underscored his belief that true leadership should be about nation-building, not self-interest.

“My key ambition is to stop the killings, stop the stealing, stop the slide,” he emphasized. His remarks echo sentiments widely shared among citizens disillusioned with the current state of affairs and seeking genuine reformers with a credible record and a clear vision for the future.

Baba-Ahmed also pointed out that the Labour Party, under which he contested in 2023, has a growing base of support and could become a significant force in the next electoral cycle. Though the Labour Party came third in the 2023 elections according to figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its campaign introduced a fresh wave of political enthusiasm, especially among younger Nigerians and urban dwellers.

The former senator’s statements come at a time when speculation is already beginning to mount about potential candidates for 2027. While most political heavyweights remain tight-lipped, Baba-Ahmed’s openness signals early strategic positioning within the Labour Party’s leadership circles. It also illustrates internal dynamics where loyalty, regional balance, and credibility will play crucial roles in determining who carries the party’s flag next time around.

Observers believe that Baba-Ahmed’s decision to defer to Obi and the unnamed southern ally shows political maturity and a willingness to prioritize collective goals over personal ambition. Such an approach may resonate well with Nigerians who are weary of transactional politics and are yearning for candidates driven by conviction rather than calculation.

As the 2027 election approaches, Baba-Ahmed’s voice is likely to remain a significant one in the national conversation. Whether or not he runs, his influence in shaping the discourse around leadership, equity, and reform will be closely watched by political analysts, party members, and the electorate alike.

For now, his message is clear. His ambitions are conditional, his loyalty to Peter Obi is firm, and his ultimate aim is to see a Nigeria that works better for everyone, not just the privileged few.