Former Senator and Labour Party (LP) 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, don officially declare say e go run for President of Nigeria in 2027, stressing say him ambition start long before that of his former running mate, Peter Obi.
Baba-Ahmed make the declaration on Wednesday during rally for Labour Party national secretariat for Abuja, just days after Peter Obi dump the party move go African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Addressing party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed make am clear say him decision no follow anybody path.
“I don make myself ready to contest for the office in 2027. I no dey follow anybody trajectory or enter anybody shoe,” he talk.
“My Presidential Interest No Be Today”
The former lawmaker remind the crowd say him interest to become president no be new thing, say e even come before Peter Obi declare interest for 2023 election.
“Make I remind una say before His Excellency Peter Obi file to contest presidency, I don already aspire for that same office. The records dey,” Baba-Ahmed add.
Religion, Ethnicity No Go Stop Me
Baba-Ahmed also address concerns around religion and ethnicity, insisting say Nigerian constitution give am full right to contest.
“Yes, I be practising Muslim. Yes, I be Hausa man. And the Nigerian constitution allow me to contest for presidency,” he state.
The comment come as part of effort to counter narratives wey religion or tribe fit block him ambition ahead of 2027.
Labour Party Leadership React
Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, praise Baba-Ahmed for remaining loyal to the party despite recent defections.
According to Abure, Baba-Ahmed action show say Labour Party still intact and united.
Abure also reveal say Baba-Ahmed suggest make party leaders hold meeting to reaffirm unity and solidarity within LP.
Waiting for INEC, Party Timetable
Baba-Ahmed, however, say e no go jump the gun. According to am, e go follow due process and wait for official timetable from Labour Party and INEC before formally becoming an aspirant.
“I go respect party rules and electoral laws. I go wait for the right time,” he conclude.
As 2027 political race slowly dey take shape, Baba-Ahmed declaration don add fresh twist to opposition politics, especially after Peter Obi exit from Labour Party. Political watchers for Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and beyond dey closely monitor how LP go reposition itself ahead of the next general election.
