Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has declared that he will oppose anyone who contests against Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed made this known during an interview on Trust Television, where he spoke about his political plans and the future of the country. He said that although he may have the ambition to run for president one day, he does not believe there is a better candidate than Obi at this time.
“If Peter Obi is contesting, I will oppose someone challenging him, even if that someone is myself, I will oppose myself to challenge Peter Obi,” Baba-Ahmed said during the interview.
Baba-Ahmed was the running mate to Obi in the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Labour Party. Their campaign attracted strong support, especially from young Nigerians and urban voters who were calling for change in governance.
Though they did not win the election, the Obi-Datti ticket made a strong impact on Nigeria’s political scene. Many observers described their performance as a sign that a third force outside the two dominant parties could gain wide support.
Speaking during the interview, Baba-Ahmed said he would like Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, to take over the leadership of the country in 2027. According to him, his main interest is not personal ambition but the future of Nigeria.
He stressed that his desire is to see a government that will address the many problems facing the country, especially insecurity.
Nigeria has been battling serious security challenges for over a decade. Insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and violent attacks in parts of the North-Central have led to thousands of deaths and displacement of many communities.
In recent months, there have been reports of attacks on villages in Benue and Plateau states, leading to loss of lives and destruction of homes and farmlands. Kidnappings for ransom and attacks on highways have also continued in several parts of the country.
Baba-Ahmed expressed deep concern about the situation. He said he is troubled by the constant reports of killings, destruction of property, and displacement of innocent citizens.
“My main ambition is to stop the killings. I don’t want every time I read in the newspaper, there is a new dimension to the insecurity,” he said.
He added that he is worried about villages being sacked and homes destroyed by terrorists and bandits. According to him, it is painful to see communities in Benue and Plateau states repeatedly attacked.
“There are some villages sacked, some places in Benue State, in Plateau State. I don’t like that kind of news, and I just cannot sit down and let bad people continue to misrule us,” he said.
Although the 2027 general election is still some time away, political discussions and alignments have already begun across party lines. Analysts say early statements like Baba-Ahmed’s show that political actors are beginning to position themselves.
Peter Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, remains a key figure in Nigerian politics. In 2023, he ran on a message of reform, fiscal discipline, and improved governance. His supporters argue that he represents a break from the old political order.
Baba-Ahmed’s latest comments may also be seen as an attempt to reassure Obi’s supporters that the Labour Party leadership remains united ahead of 2027.
Political observers note that unity within parties is often a major challenge before elections. Internal disputes and power struggles have weakened many parties in the past. By openly declaring his support, Baba-Ahmed may be trying to prevent future divisions within the Labour Party.
Many Nigerians continue to express frustration over the rising cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity. Communities in affected areas have repeatedly called on leaders at all levels to do more to protect lives and property.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks reflect the feelings of many citizens who are tired of reading daily reports of killings and abductions. His emphasis on stopping the violence suggests that security may once again be a key campaign issue in 2027.
For now, Peter Obi has not formally declared his intention to run in 2027. However, his continued popularity among a section of the electorate keeps him in the national conversation.
