The Labour Party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, has affirmed that Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is qualified and welcome to contest for the presidency in 2027.
Ibrahim emphasized that the party’s presidential ticket is not automatically reserved for any individual, including former flagbearer Peter Obi.
Speaking in a recent interview with Trust TV, Ibrahim stated, “Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as good as Peter Obi. So, the seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest.” He further noted that any aspirant, including Baba-Ahmed, could buy the nomination form, mobilize support, and seek election under the Labour Party’s platform.
However, Ibrahim also warned that loyalty to the party is crucial. He asserted that members who engage with other political parties but attempt to retain Labour Party affiliation may be disqualified, stating, “If those people didn’t come back to us, they lose that opportunity because there’s no way you’ll continue to romance with another political party, and then you still come back and your one leg is in the Labour Party.”
Baba-Ahmed had earlier declared his readiness to vie for the presidency if Peter Obi opts out of the race. Despite this, he reaffirmed his support for Obi, emphasizing that Obi deserves a second chance to run under the Labour Party banner.
This position aligns with the party’s recent public declaration that the 2027 presidential ticket is fully open for competition, rejecting automatic candidacy for any individual, including Obi, especially amid ongoing internal party tensions and Obi’s association with an opposition coalition outside the party framework. The Labour Party leadership continues to stress internal democracy and competitive candidature for the upcoming election cycle.
These developments mark a clear message from the Labour Party about its commitment to an open and competitive process for the 2027 presidential elections, with Baba-Ahmed positioned as a significant contender alongside others who choose to contest within the party’s rules
