Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed Backs Southern Presidency in 2027, Cites Personal Sacrifices for National Unity

 

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has openly declared his support for power remaining in the southern region of Nigeria in the 2027 general elections. In a recent interview aired on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Baba-Ahmed reflected on his political journey and emphasized the importance of maintaining national balance and unity through equitable power rotation.

Throughout his career, Baba-Ahmed has earned a reputation for prioritizing collective interest over personal ambition. This philosophy, he noted, has guided some of his most pivotal decisions, including stepping back from key electoral contests. During the interview, he spoke candidly about the motivations behind those decisions, framing them as deliberate efforts to foster unity in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

He recalled his brief interest in the 2019 presidential race, stating that he was inspired to contest but eventually chose a path that aligned more with national interest. By 2023, he had taken on the role of vice-presidential candidate alongside former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, under the Labour Party. Their ticket was seen as one of the most dynamic alternatives to the dominant political parties, appealing to millions of young Nigerians eager for change.

Before his emergence on the national stage, Baba-Ahmed made an earlier foray into state politics when he showed interest in running for the governorship of Kaduna State. That ambition, too, was set aside. “I attempted a governorship bid in Kaduna but chose to withdraw,” he stated during the interview. He suggested that the decision was a strategic move to maintain harmony and avoid inflaming regional tensions.

His recollections touched on another poignant moment in 2018 when he visited Port Harcourt and assessed the political atmosphere in the South-South region. According to him, there was no individual at the time who could claim to represent the unified heritage and identity of the Rivers, Niger, and Benue regions. Rather than exploiting political divides, he opted to step back and observe, showing what he described as “respect and restraint.”

Baba-Ahmed reserved special praise for Peter Obi and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, acknowledging their self-control during past electoral cycles. “Peter Obi and Wike had the resources, the experience, and the people to contest, yet they restricted themselves. That discipline and self-restraint deserve recognition,” he said, highlighting the rarity of such political behavior in the current Nigerian climate.

As the conversation unfolded, Baba-Ahmed subtly commented on Wike’s role within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hinting at ongoing tensions and power struggles. “That is part of why, probably, our good friend and boss Wike is doing what he claims not to be doing in the PDP,” he remarked, implying that public posturing often masks deeper strategic maneuvers.

The senator’s declaration that power should remain in the South is expected to resonate across political circles, particularly in light of growing debates about zoning and equity ahead of the 2027 elections. His support adds weight to arguments that a southern presidency would promote fairness and ensure that all regions feel represented at the federal level.

Observers view Baba-Ahmed’s comments as a calculated intervention, one that is likely to influence discourse within and beyond his party. While some may interpret his statements as setting the stage for a new political alignment, others see them as a continuation of his long-held principles. Either way, his voice carries significance, especially among Nigerians seeking leaders who place national interest above partisan advantage.

As political activities ramp up in preparation for 2027, Baba-Ahmed’s stance may prompt other northern figures to reflect on the importance of equity and inclusion. His message reinforces the belief that leadership should not only be about who is most capable or popular, but also about ensuring every part of Nigeria feels a sense of belonging and opportunity.

The path to 2027 remains uncertain, yet voices like Baba-Ahmed’s serve as reminders that politics can still be guided by conviction, principle, and a vision of shared national prosperity.