Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has officially made public his intention to seek the nation’s highest political office in the 2027 presidential race. The declaration was made during a political gathering organized at the Labour Party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where party members, supporters, and stakeholders were present. The announcement marks a significant development within the opposition political space and signals early positioning ahead of the next election cycle. This political move comes shortly after Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, announced his exit from the party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Despite the timing, Baba-Ahmed was clear that his ambition is not influenced by Obi’s recent political realignment. Addressing supporters at the event, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential aspiration is longstanding and independent. According to him, the decision to contest did not emerge as a response to current political shifts but has been part of his political journey well before the 2023 elections. He explained that his interest in leading the country predates his role as a vice-presidential candidate, stressing that he is not positioning himself as a replacement for anyone nor attempting to follow another politician’s path. “I have presented myself to contest for the presidency in 2027. This decision is not based on anyone’s movement or political choices,” he stated.“I am not stepping into anyone’s position or following any individual’s trajectory.” Baba-Ahmed further reminded party faithful that his presidential ambition existed before Peter Obi entered the 2023 presidential race. He noted that available political records clearly show his earlier interest in contesting for the presidency, urging supporters to verify the facts independently. The declaration adds a new dimension to the evolving political landscape as parties begin early internal consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers believe that Baba-Ahmed’s announcement could influence internal party dynamics and reshape conversations around leadership and direction within the Labour Party. As Nigeria gradually moves toward another election season, developments such as this are expected to generate increased political engagement, debates, and strategic repositioning across party lines.
A prominent figure in Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayekooto Akindele, has firmly stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can only be retired from politics in the year 2031, countering recent speculation about a united opposition strategy. This statement follows a bold remark made by Adewale Adebayo, former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential aspirant, who claimed that prominent opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) are considering joining the SDP to form a formidable coalition to unseat Tinubu in 2027. According to Adebayo, this alliance could successfully challenge Tinubu’s administration, provided these influential politicians embrace and adhere to the culture of the SDP. Adebayo is confident that such a coalition could politically retire Tinubu and the APC ahead of the next general elections. However, Ayekooto disagreed, suggesting that Tinubu’s political future is still secure until at least 2031. In a Facebook post, he ridiculed the opposition figures, implying they lack a solid political base compared to Tinubu. “We will retire Tinubu to Lagos – SDP. Yes, in 2031,” Ayekooto posted, “But what’s most amusing is that even those saying this don’t have a political home. When Peter Obi ended his tenure as Anambra Governor, he didn’t return to Anambra – he came to Lagos. Atiku Abubakar didn’t return to Adamawa after serving as Vice President; he remained in Abuja.” He continued by highlighting that former Nigerian leaders such as Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Muhammadu Buhari all returned to their home states after leaving office. Tinubu, he added, would do the same by returning to Lagos, which solidifies his political identity. In contrast, he said, Obi and Atiku are politically homeless. This exchange underscores the growing tension and strategic maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both ruling and opposition parties drawing early battle lines. For more insights into Nigeria’s political dynamics and Tinubu’s political history, visit this BBC Politics report on Bola Tinubu Related Content Check out our previous post on Peter Obi’s Political Strategies Ahead of 2027 for more context on his coalition-building efforts. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
