Datti Bows Out of 2027 Presidential Race, Says Peter Obi Can Run Without Him

Datti Baba-Ahmed has announced he will not insist on being Peter Obi’s running mate in 2027, saying the Labour Party welcomes Obi to contest “with or without me.”

The 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has expressed support for Peter Obi’s potential 2027 presidential run, affirming that the former Anambra governor is welcome to fly the party’s flag—with or without him as a running mate.

“The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me. And the ADC is welcome to adopt a southern candidate,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

Addressing Nigeria’s political future, he stressed the need for competent leadership:

“We want capacity. We want compassion. We want people who will develop Nigeria, leaders that matter, leaders that deliver promises, not those who will promise governance and deliver disaster.”

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Baba-Ahmed also defended Peter Obi’s recent coalition efforts with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying:

“This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation. The meaning of a coalition is that political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together. It’s an unfolding situation.”

“I attended coalition meetings. Peter Obi is welcome to continue to attend those coalition meetings.”

On the matter of zoning ahead of the 2027 presidential election, he added his voice in favour of a southern presidency.