“I might consider running for presidency in 2027 if Obi drops out”-Datti-Baba Ahmed

Former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, said he might try to be a presidential candidate in 2027 if former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi and another unnamed figure from the southern part of the country dropped out of the presidential race.

He made this known on Tuesday evening while featuring on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

Advertisement

He added that he was not driven by personal ambition, but the need to secure Nigerians, stop the stealing, and ensure stability in the country.

He also noted that he attempted to become Nigeria’s president in 2019 but failed.

Advertisement

He, however, pledged continued loyalty to Obi and said he would back him again in 2027 if he chose to run.

Baba-Ahmed said, “Look at my trajectory, and I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019, I aspired for the presidency, and I lost, together with 11 others.”

He added, “I religiously supported Peter Obi and I would do so again in 2027, unless certain two people that I have tremendous respect for decide not to take it, and the God Almighty in His infinite mercies keeps dropping it for me.

“Except if that happens, I can tell you Peter will contest for sure because he’s in the game, he contested before, I’ll support him. If he doesn’t, or another person that I won’t call his name from the South, if they don’t contest, otherwise I’m not ambitious. My key ambition is to stop the killings, stop the stealing, stop the slide.”

Advertisement

Baba-Ahmed was Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

Obi placed third behind candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar, respectively.

Advertisement
TNG Logo
ISSN: 3026-8362