Why Obi Doesn’t Need Me to Contest in 2027— Datti Baba-Ahmed

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate, says Peter Obi is free to run for the 2027 presidential election with or without him on the ticket.

He made this clear during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

According to Datti, the former Anambra State governor remains a respected figure and is welcome to retain the Labour Party’s ticket in the next election.

“They are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for; one is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly,” Datti said.

He added that Obi does not need his support to emerge as the party’s candidate.

“The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me,” he stated.

He also welcomed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to adopt a southern presidential candidate, saying that the South should produce Nigeria’s next president.

“I support the South. The South should produce the president in 2027,” he declared.

Not Anti-Party, But a Coalition

Speaking further, Baba-Ahmed dismissed claims that Obi’s involvement with the ADC coalition was anti-party.

He explained that the political alignment is a developing situation, not an act of disloyalty to the Labour Party.

“This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation,” he explained.

“A coalition means political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together.”

He revealed that he also attended the coalition meetings and confirmed that Obi was free to continue attending.

“Peter Obi is welcome to continue to attend those coalition meetings,” he added.

Nigeria Needs Capable Leaders

Baba-Ahmed also emphasized the kind of leadership Nigeria needs in 2027.

He argued that the country must reject politicians who promise good governance but deliver failure.

“We want capacity. We want compassion,” he said.

“We want leaders that deliver on promises not those who promise governance and deliver disaster.”

With the 2027 election drawing closer, his comments have stirred political discussions within the Labour Party and beyond.

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