2027: I won’t Dump Labour Party As Obi Did – Datti Baba-Ahmed
As the 2027 general elections begin to loom on the horizon, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed has made a definitive stand regarding his political future and party allegiance. The former vice presidential candidate officially pledged his unwavering loyalty to the Labour Party this week, the same platform that propelled him into the national spotlight during the 2023 polls.
At 56, Baba-Ahmed remains a significant figure in the Nigerian political landscape after serving as the running mate to Peter Obi in the previous cycle. While that campaign ultimately saw them lose to the All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed appears ready to build on the foundation they established within the party.
The political dynamics have shifted significantly following Peter Obi’s recent decision to dump the Labour Party two years after their joint run. Obi has since moved to the African Democratic Congress, a platform currently backed by various coalition leaders who are determined to wrest power from the ruling APC in the next election.
However, during a press conference held Wednesday at the Labour Party National Headquarters in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he has no intention of following his former principal’s lead. He stood firm in his decision to remain with the LP, signaling a major split in the leadership that once headed the “Obidient” movement.
The former Kaduna North lawmaker used the briefing to reiterate his commitment to the nation’s future and his personal role in the upcoming cycle. He pledged to make himself available to fix Nigeria come 2027, positioning himself as a primary contender for those staying within the Labour Party fold.
His critique of the new opposition alignment was sharp and direct, as he expressed deep skepticism regarding the motivations behind the new coalition. He explained that he is not convinced by the ADC, citing concerns over the stability and intent of the various groups merging under that banner.
Closing his address with a stinging assessment of the current political reshuffling, Baba-Ahmed described members of the coalition as ‘disgruntled politicians’. By staying put, he has set the stage for a fragmented opposition landscape as Nigeria moves toward its next major democratic transition
