Datti: I’ll Contest Only If Obi, One Other Southern Leader Withdraw

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed says he may run for president in 2027 if Peter Obi, his running mate in the 2023 elections under the Labour Party (LP), decides not to contest.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed explained that his interest in the race would also depend on whether another political figure from the South chooses not to contest.

“Labour Party’s arms are open to welcome back Peter Obi. I would like Peter Obi to win the nomination of the Labour Party and contest in 2027, with or without me,” he said.

“Look at my trajectory; I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019 I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others.”

Baba-Ahmed stressed that the presidency is not a desperate ambition for him, saying his priorities are rooted in service.

“I religiously supported Peter Obi like I would do again. So, in 2027, unless two certain people I have tremendous respect for decide not to take it, and God Almighty in His infinite mercy keeps dropping it for me.

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“Except if that happens, I can tell you Peter Obi for sure, because he is in the game; he contested before. Yes, I am with him and I will support him.”

“If he (Obi) doesn’t, and one other person — I won’t call his name — from the South; if they don’t contest. Otherwise, I am not ambitious. My key ambition: stop the killings, stop the stealing.”

Baba-Ahmed also dismissed rumours of his defection from LP, saying he is “not convinced” about joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).