Datti Baba-Ahmed as Qualified as Obi for 2027 – LP Secretary

Labour Party opens 2027 presidential ticket amid internal tensions and Obi’s growing alliance with ADC leaders.

As political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), has issued a bold statement declaring that Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, is as qualified as Peter Obi to contest for Nigeria’s highest office.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Trust TV, Ibrahim emphasized that the Labour Party’s presidential ticket is not a birthright or entitlement for any single individual not even Peter Obi, who was the party’s flagbearer in the 2023 general elections.

“Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as good as Peter Obi,” Ibrahim stated, adding, “So, the seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest.”

This statement comes amid a brewing storm within the party, sparked by Obi’s increasing engagement with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) a coalition-backed platform that is reportedly working on uniting opposition figures ahead of 2027.

The LP secretary warned that any member seeking to represent the party in future elections must show loyalty and commitment to its structures and ideals. He made it clear that divided allegiances could jeopardize a candidate’s chances.

“If Datti is willing to aspire for the presidency under the Labour Party, the door is open. He can buy the nomination form, mobilize support, and compete fairly. But any member caught romancing other political parties while claiming LP membership risks disqualification,” Ibrahim cautioned.

The comment is being interpreted by many political observers as a subtle but firm warning to Obi, who has yet to clarify his position regarding his ties with the ADC.

Just last week, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed signaled his readiness to enter the 2027 presidential race but only if Peter Obi steps aside. In a statement, Datti made it clear that his ambition is not driven by desperation and reiterated his unwavering support for Obi, whom he believes deserves another opportunity to run on the Labour Party’s platform.

However, the latest developments suggest that the party may be heading into a contested primary process for the 2027 ticket a departure from the unity it displayed in 2023.

The Labour Party, which gained significant momentum during the 2023 elections under the Obi-Datti ticket, now faces a critical test of its internal democracy and cohesion. With the presidential ticket now declared open, all eyes will be on how the party navigates potential rivalries without fracturing its support base.

Observers note that Datti Baba-Ahmed brings considerable political and academic credentials to the table, and his candidacy if formalized could reshape the dynamics of LP's 2027 strategy.

As the political climate heats up, the party’s direction, candidate selection, and internal loyalty may determine whether the LP can consolidate its gains or fall victim to the divisions that have weakened many of Nigeria’s opposition parties in the past.