The Labour Party has announced that Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed may replace Peter Obi as its presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Wednesday, the party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, stated that the presidential ticket is not reserved for any individual and would be open to all aspirants—including Datti, who served as Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election.
Farouk warned that Obi risks losing the ticket if he continues to associate with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is currently leading efforts to form an opposition coalition ahead of the next polls.
“Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency just like Peter Obi,” Farouk said. “The seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest.”
He added that if Datti expresses interest in the party’s ticket, he will be encouraged to purchase the nomination form and compete like every other aspirant. “If Datti is willing to aspire for presidency and he wants to do that under the Labour Party, we will open it. Come and buy the form, mobilise support, and contest.”
Farouk expressed disapproval of Obi’s closeness to the ADC, stressing that such dual loyalty would not be tolerated.
“You can’t be romancing other political parties and expect to retain relevance in the Labour Party,” he warned. “From the onset, that may be a basis for disqualification.”
It is understood that Baba-Ahmed declared interest in running for president in 2027 under the Labour Party if Obi chooses not to contest. However, Datti also stated that he remains supportive of Obi and is not desperate to seek the presidency.