Peter Obi’s Former Running Mate, Baba-Ahmed, Officially Declares 2027 Presidential Bid

FCT, Abuja – Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, who served as the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has officially declared his intention to run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027. 

The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at a rally held at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Baba-Ahmed’s declaration comes just a week after Peter Obi, his former running mate, left the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In his speech, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential ambition predates Obi’s 2023 candidacy.

“I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” Baba-Ahmed said. “Can I remind you that before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency before him? The records are there for you to see.”

The former federal lawmaker recounted his earlier political journey, including his participation in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries in October 2018. 

“I participated in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even walked to Obi for his vote. He smiled at me—what a gentleman he was,” Baba-Ahmed recalled.

Baba-Ahmed explained that his decision to join Obi in 2023 was rooted in a desire for national unity. “I saw a rare opportunity for national unity to have elected Peter Obi in 2023, and that is why I decided to flow with it,” he said.

His entry into the 2027 race signals an early start to what promises to be a competitive presidential contest. Baba-Ahmed’s announcement also raises questions about the political trajectory of former Labour Party stalwarts following Obi’s departure to the ADC.