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2027 Presidency: Datti Baba-Ahmed Denies Declaring Ambition
Datti Baba-Ahmed, former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has made a U-turn over reports that he declared interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of Peter Obi in the last election, clarified that he never formally declared a presidential ambition, contrary to widespread reports and public reactions that followed his recent comments.
BONA NAIJA recalls that barely one week after Peter Obi announced his exit from the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Baba-Ahmed was reported to have declared his intention to run for president in 2027. The development triggered backlash from political observers and Labour Party supporters, who questioned the timing of the move.
However, speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the reports, insisting that his remarks were misinterpreted.
“I never declared to contest for the presidency; I simply reiterated my membership in the Labour Party, even though there could be a possibility for that happening,” he said.
He further explained that any decision regarding a 2027 presidential bid would depend on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable and the position of his party.
“I clearly stated that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and the party to make the call,” Baba-Ahmed added.
His clarification appears to be a response to the controversy that followed his earlier comments, amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
