The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, says Peter Obi is free to seek the party’s presidential ticket again in 2027—regardless of whether he returns as his running mate or not.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed said he holds Obi in high regard and fully supports his continued political journey under the Labour Party.
“They are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for; one is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly,” Baba-Ahmed said. “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.”
He emphasized that what Nigeria needs now are leaders with competence, compassion, and the capacity to deliver on their promises.
“We want capacity. We want compassion. We want people who will develop Nigeria — leaders that matter, leaders that deliver promises, not those who will promise governance and deliver disaster,” he added.
Addressing recent concerns about Obi’s participation in coalition meetings initiated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Baba-Ahmed dismissed claims of anti-party conduct.
“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.”
On zoning ahead of the 2027 general election, Baba-Ahmed reiterated his belief that the presidency should rotate to the South, a position consistent with the push for equity and national cohesion.
Peter Obi and Baba-Ahmed ran on the Labour Party’s ticket in the 2023 presidential election, finishing third behind President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
ADEOLA KUNLE
