In a major political shake-up on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed formally declared his intention to run for the Presidency in 2027 on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).
Emerging From the Shadow of Obi
The declaration, made at a massive rally at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, comes just one week after his 2023 running mate, Peter Obi, announced a shock exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The declaration, made at a massive rally at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, comes just one week after his 2023 running mate, Peter Obi, announced a shock exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Addressing a crowd of energized supporters, Baba-Ahmed dismissed claims that he was merely reacting to Obi’s departure. “I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he insisted. “Before His Excellency Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him. The records are there.”
Faith, Ethnicity, and the Constitution
The former lawmaker and founder of Baze University addressed potential identity-politics hurdles head-on. “Yes, I am a practicing Muslim. Yes, I am a Hausa man. The Nigerian constitution allows me to contest,” he stated, adding that his motivation is rooted in the belief that “Nigeria needs help.”
The former lawmaker and founder of Baze University addressed potential identity-politics hurdles head-on. “Yes, I am a practicing Muslim. Yes, I am a Hausa man. The Nigerian constitution allows me to contest,” he stated, adding that his motivation is rooted in the belief that “Nigeria needs help.”
While making his intentions clear, Baba-Ahmed noted he would wait for the official Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable and party guidelines before launching a full-scale campaign.
“The Labour Party is Intact” – Julius Abure
Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, hailed Baba-Ahmed’s loyalty, using the occasion to debunk rumors of a total party collapse following Obi’s exit. Abure revealed that Baba-Ahmed personally reached out to him the night Obi defected to reaffirm his commitment to the 6 million Nigerians who voted for their ticket in 2023.
Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, hailed Baba-Ahmed’s loyalty, using the occasion to debunk rumors of a total party collapse following Obi’s exit. Abure revealed that Baba-Ahmed personally reached out to him the night Obi defected to reaffirm his commitment to the 6 million Nigerians who voted for their ticket in 2023.
“Only recently, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, told the world he was not going to defect with Peter Obi,” Abure said. “The Labour Party is intact. We will provide a genuine alternative for Nigerians in 2027.”
A Strategic Pivot
Political analysts view Baba-Ahmed’s early declaration as a move to stabilize the “Obidient” base within the Labour Party and prevent further defections to the ADC. By citing his 2018 presidential run in the PDP, Datti is positioning himself as an experienced, independent contender rather than a political placeholder.
Political analysts view Baba-Ahmed’s early declaration as a move to stabilize the “Obidient” base within the Labour Party and prevent further defections to the ADC. By citing his 2018 presidential run in the PDP, Datti is positioning himself as an experienced, independent contender rather than a political placeholder.