Kaduna-born politician Datti Baba-Ahmed, vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has denied reports suggesting he intends to contest for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Datti clarified that he was only reaffirming his continued membership of the Labour Party.
“I never declared to contest the presidency even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I simply reiterated my membership of the Labour Party,” he said.
Datti stressed that any decision to contest would follow the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable and the party’s formal call for nominations.
He criticised social media users for sensationalising his statements, accusing them of spreading “wrong narratives to emotional listeners.”
His remarks follow news that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has joined forces with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
At an event in Enugu, Obi said he hoped 2026 would mark the start of a “journey of rescue” for Nigeria through inclusive socio-economic development.
Despite Obi’s coalition move, Datti affirmed that it does not affect his relationship with the former Anambra State governor.
He welcomed Obi’s return to the Labour Party should he fail to secure the ADC ticket, emphasising that “nobody will do anything bad to Peter Obi.”
Datti also urged Obi to clarify his membership status, saying he had not officially heard of Obi defecting to the ADC.
The Labour Party vice-presidential candidate concluded that the LP remains “big enough to challenge for Nigeria’s exalted seat” in the 2027 election.
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