The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has opened the door to once again teaming up with Peter Obi for the 2027 presidential race, but he attached one significant condition. According to him, only an improved and credible electoral system in Nigeria will make such a political reunion possible.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Obi’s running mate during the last general elections, shared his thoughts on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He stressed that his love for Nigeria remains unwavering, and if the right conditions are met, he would not hesitate to align with individuals and groups that share his democratic convictions.
During the discussion, Baba-Ahmed responded to direct questions on his political future and whether he would accept the possibility of returning as Obi’s partner in the Labour Party ticket. His answer was emphatic, as he declared that Peter Obi would remain his number one choice for a joint presidential bid until the former Anambra State governor decides otherwise.
He said, “If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying, mark that. I will appropriately associate with groups and individuals I think are like minded.”
When pressed further, Baba-Ahmed added, “Absolutely, if you had heard what I was saying on air two months ago, there are two individuals that I would succumb to. The first has not said, so I won’t say it on his behalf, and the second one is Peter Obi and always Peter Obi until he decides not to.”
This latest statement has stirred renewed debate within political circles as it highlights Baba-Ahmed’s continued loyalty to Obi, who galvanized a large youth movement under the Labour Party during the 2023 general elections. Many supporters have long speculated whether the duo would reunite for the 2027 race, particularly as dissatisfaction continues to grow over governance and democratic transparency in the country.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks also addressed speculation linking him with other political figures. When asked specifically whether he would consider working with Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and one-time governor of Rivers State, he quickly dismissed the idea. While describing Amaechi as “a good guy,” Baba-Ahmed made it clear that Amaechi was not the first person he had in mind. He also issued a subtle reminder that he should not be permanently viewed only through the lens of being a deputy, suggesting his openness to leadership roles beyond the vice-presidency.
This insistence on not being boxed into the role of “running mate only” adds another dimension to his political persona. It signals both his readiness to contest from different positions and his understanding of the fluidity of Nigeria’s political landscape. His remarks can also be seen as an attempt to broaden his appeal beyond Labour Party supporters by positioning himself as a figure who values credibility in electoral processes above personal ambition.
The issue of electoral reform, which Baba-Ahmed tied his political future to, has remained a sensitive topic in Nigeria. The 2023 general elections were marred by controversies, allegations of irregularities, and challenges in the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Both local and international observers expressed concern about the transparency of the results and the efficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It is within this context that Baba-Ahmed’s conditional willingness to contest again becomes particularly striking.
His focus on improved electoral systems echoes broader demands by civil society organizations, political parties, and the international community for Nigeria to strengthen its democratic institutions before the next general elections. By linking his own ambition to reforms in the system, Baba-Ahmed reinforces his image as a politician keen on principle rather than mere power.
Political analysts have argued that the Obi-Baba-Ahmed ticket in 2023 represented a fresh chapter in Nigeria’s political story, largely driven by young voters and citizens disillusioned with the dominance of the two major parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although the Labour Party did not win the presidency, their campaign reshaped the political conversation, introducing terms such as the “Obidient Movement” into national discourse.
The possibility of both men running again in 2027 raises questions about how prepared the Labour Party is to build on its momentum from 2023. If Obi and Baba-Ahmed remain united, their ticket could potentially rally millions of Nigerians seeking change. However, without significant electoral reforms, doubts may persist regarding the effectiveness of such a campaign.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks also underscore the uncertainty that hangs over Nigeria’s political future. His conditional phrasing “if Nigeria is still around” reflects a deep worry about the country’s unity, stability, and democratic survival. For many observers, this is a sobering reminder that Nigeria faces not just governance challenges but also questions about its cohesion as a nation.
As conversations about the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum, Baba-Ahmed’s words will continue to echo among political stakeholders, party strategists, and ordinary citizens. His strong loyalty to Peter Obi, tempered by his insistence on credible electoral reforms, may ultimately shape the Labour Party’s strategy for the next general election.
For now, Nigerians wait to see whether the electoral system will undergo meaningful improvements and whether Baba-Ahmed’s cautious optimism will translate into another joint bid with Obi. What is clear is that his voice will remain significant in Nigeria’s political conversations leading up to 2027.
0 Comments
Hey there! We love hearing from you. Feel free to share your thoughts, ask questions, or add to the conversation. Just keep it respectful, relevant, and free from spam. Let’s keep this space welcoming for everyone. Thanks for being part of the discussion! 😊