Former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed made the declaration on Wednesday at a rally held at the Labour Party national secretariat in Abuja, amid ongoing political realignments within the opposition.

His announcement comes barely a week after the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that has sparked debate about the future of the Labour Party and the wider opposition coalition.

Addressing party leaders, members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed stressed that his presidential ambition was neither reactionary nor influenced by Obi’s exit from the party, insisting that his aspiration predates the 2023 election.

“I have made myself available to contest for the office of President in 2027. I am not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said.

He recalled that before Obi declared his interest in the 2023 presidential race, he had also nursed similar ambitions, noting that records were available to support his claim.

The former lawmaker further disclosed that he had previously participated in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries in 2018 before later aligning with Obi under the Labour Party platform.

According to him, his decision to step down and run as Obi’s deputy in 2023 was driven by a desire for national unity and the belief that Obi represented a rare opportunity to reposition the country.

Baba-Ahmed also addressed concerns surrounding religion and ethnicity, stating that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees every qualified citizen the right to seek elective office, regardless of background.

“Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am first a Nigerian. The constitution allows me to contest, and I am doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said.

While affirming his intention, Baba-Ahmed pledged to respect party processes and electoral guidelines, stressing that he would refrain from further political activities until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Labour Party formally release the timetable for the 2027 elections.

Reacting, Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, praised Baba-Ahmed for remaining loyal to the party despite speculations of a possible defection following Obi’s exit.

Abure said the development underscored the unity and resilience of the party, adding that other key figures, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, had also resolved to remain in the Labour Party.

He disclosed that Baba-Ahmed personally proposed the meeting aimed at reassuring party members and strengthening internal cohesion.

According to Abure, the Labour Party remains intact and committed to providing Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.

Baba-Ahmed’s declaration has added momentum to early political maneuverings as political parties and aspirants begin positioning for the next presidential contest.