As the 2027 general elections begin to dominate political conversations across Nigeria, former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has openly declared support for the return of Mr. Peter Obi as the party’s presidential candidate. He affirmed that Obi remains the party’s most viable option and that the Labour Party would rally behind him regardless of whether he retains his former running mate or not.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed clarified his stance on the future of the Labour Party, his partnership with Obi, and the nature of ongoing coalition efforts between opposition elements ahead of the next presidential election.

“Peter Obi is welcome with or without me,” Baba-Ahmed said pointedly during the interview.
“The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027. I have no reservations about that. And the African Democratic Congress is welcome to adopt a Southern candidate. It is about the bigger picture, about rescuing Nigeria.”

His remarks came amid speculation surrounding Obi’s growing collaboration with other political platforms most notably the Coalition for Nigeria, an emerging alliance of opposition parties and civil society groups coordinated in part by the ADC, which aims to present a united front ahead of 2027.

While some critics within LP have questioned Obi’s involvement in the coalition, seeing it as an act of political disloyalty, Baba-Ahmed dismissed such views, stating clearly that Obi’s participation in coalition meetings does not constitute “anti-party activity.”

“This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation. The meaning of a coalition is that political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together. I’ve attended those coalition meetings myself,” he added.

The former senator from Kaduna further emphasized that what Nigeria needs now is not division or political suspicion, but unity among credible leaders to wrest the country from its many challenges.

“We want capacity. We want compassion. We want people who will develop Nigeria leaders that matter, leaders that deliver promises, not those who promise governance and deliver disaster,” he said in a veiled criticism of the current administration.

Datti Baba-Ahmed and Peter Obi were the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, a contest in which they placed third behind APC’s Bola Tinubu and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar. However, the LP ticket surprised many political observers by winning over 6 million votes and securing strong support, especially among the youth, middle-class, and diaspora Nigerians.

Since the 2023 elections, Obi has maintained national relevance, speaking frequently on governance, public accountability, and reforms. His recent engagements with third force political movements and reform-minded organisations have led to rising speculation about his 2027 ambitions.

Pushing for Southern Presidency
Baba-Ahmed’s latest comments also weighed in on the zoning debate ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, equity and political justice demand that the South, particularly the South-East should produce Nigeria’s next president.

“I strongly support power shifting to the South,” he said. “We must do what is right for national stability, unity, and fairness.”

This statement appears to bolster Obi’s prospects, as he remains the most visible and viable Southern aspirant among opposition figures. It also aligns with a wider belief among Labour Party members and political commentators that Obi would likely fly the party’s flag again.

Internal Dynamics and 2027 Calculations
Baba-Ahmed’s openness to not being on the ticket again is seen by analysts as a strategic move that gives the party room to reconfigure its electoral strategy without internal conflict. It also keeps the door open for broader negotiations within the coalition space, where new alignments and ticket arrangements could emerge before the election.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has yet to formally declare his intention to contest in 2027, though he continues to feature prominently in polls and political discussions. His name is often mentioned as the likely consensus candidate should opposition parties decide to present a united front.

Political observers say the Labour Party’s success in 2023 has positioned it as a major force and any decision by Obi to contest again would further energize its base especially with the potential backing of a national coalition.

For now, Baba-Ahmed’s endorsement signals not just support for Obi, but a readiness to play any role necessary whether at the frontlines or from behind the scenes to secure what he believes is a better future for Nigeria.

“We need leaders who understand the moment and can inspire hope. Peter Obi fits that description,” he concluded.

As 2027 draws nearer, all eyes will be on the opposition’s ability to build bridges, form alliances, and present a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress with or without the old partnerships.