…Dismisses Defection Rumours
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, running mate to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has revealed that he may consider contesting for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 if Obi and another unnamed political figure from the south decide not to run.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday during an interview on Prime Time, a current affairs programme on Arise Television.
While reaffirming his unwavering support for Obi, Baba-Ahmed stressed that seeking the presidency is not a desperate ambition for him but rather a matter of principle, responsibility, and national interest.
“Look at my trajectory; I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019 I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others,” he said.
According to him, Peter Obi remains the preferred aspirant for the Labour Party ticket in 2027, and he would like to see him return as the party’s presidential flag bearer.
“The 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.
Baba-Ahmed emphasised his continued loyalty to Obi and the Labour Party, saying his commitment to their political project remains firm.
“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.
“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.”
He further clarified that his consideration to run is not driven by ambition. “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.”
In response to reports linking him to a possible defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Baba-Ahmed dismissed the rumours, stating clearly that he remains committed to the Labour Party and has no intention of joining any other political platform at this time.
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