Former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has explained why he chose to remain in the party after Peter Obi’s departure, hinting that his political future—including a possible presidential run in 2027—remains firmly on the table.
Speaking at a rally with party members and grassroots supporters at the LP national headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Baba-Ahmed said his loyalty is rooted in principle, party structure, and the LP’s mission—not in the movements of any single individual.
“When Peter Obi left, there were pressures and assumptions that everyone would follow. Politics isn’t about chasing personalities—it’s about platforms, values, and responsibility to the people who believe in you,” he said.
He disclosed that on the night of Obi’s exit, he personally contacted party leadership to confirm he would not defect, emphasizing that the LP remains the platform on which millions of Nigerians had invested hope during the 2023 elections.
“This platform received over 10 million votes. That mandate belongs to the people, not to any one individual,” Baba-Ahmed said.
The decision to stay, he explained, was also shaped by consultations with stakeholders and a desire to protect the party’s grassroots momentum. Rejecting closed-door elite meetings, he insisted on an open gathering involving youths, artisans, and ordinary members, underscoring his belief that the Labour Party belongs to the people.
Addressing speculation about his 2027 ambitions, Baba-Ahmed remained measured, stressing his political independence:
“I am my own boss. I contested for the presidency in 2019 before Peter Obi. I partnered with him in 2023 because I believed Nigerians could be united. When the whistle is blown, I will make my decision known.”
He also dismissed identity politics, insisting that leadership should be defined by competence, not ethnicity or religion.
“Yes, I am Hausa and Muslim. But leadership is about ability, not labels,” he said.
Party insiders say Baba-Ahmed’s stance has stabilized the LP, preserving its relevance as a third-force platform ahead of 2027. LP National Chairman Julius Abure reiterated that the party remains united and capable of reinventing itself beyond individual personalities.
As the political landscape begins to tilt toward 2027, Baba-Ahmed’s principled, patient, and calculated posture positions him as a figure capable of shaping a new centre of gravity for the Labour Party—long after the exit of its most recognisable face.
After Obi’s Departure, Baba-Ahmed Signals Political Moves for 2027
