The 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, is free to pursue the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, with or without him as running mate.
Baba-Ahmed stated this on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
“They are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for; one is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly.
“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.
He stressed that Nigeria needs leaders with the capacity to deliver, not those who make empty promises.
“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,” he added.
Responding to concerns that Obi’s recent participation in coalition talks led by the African Democratic Congress amounted to anti-party activity, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the claims.
“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,” he said.
On the issue of zoning ahead of the 2027 general election, Baba-Ahmed maintained that the South should produce the next president.
Obi and Baba-Ahmed ran on the Labour Party platform in the 2023 presidential election, where Obi came third in the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, while President Bola Tinubu was declared winner.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
