The National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Umar Farouk Ibrahim, has declared that the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, is fully qualified to contest for the presidency in the 2027 elections, placing him on equal footing with the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In an interview Ibrahim emphasized that the LP’s presidential ticket is not reserved for any individual and will be open for a competitive contest.
Ibrahim expressed frustration with Obi’s recent engagements with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party backed by an opposition coalition. He warned that Obi risks losing the opportunity to secure the LP’s 2027 presidential ticket if he continues to associate with other political parties. “There’s no way you’ll continue to romance with another political party and then come back with one leg in the Labour Party. No, ab initio, you may be disqualified,” Ibrahim stated.
Highlighting Baba-Ahmed’s credentials, Ibrahim said, “Datti is qualified to contest for the presidency as good as Peter Obi. So, the seat of that candidacy is not reserved for anybody. It is open for a competitive contest.” He added that if Baba-Ahmed wishes to run for president under the LP, the party would welcome his candidacy. “Come and buy the form, mobilize his support, and then get elected,” Ibrahim urged.
The statement follows Baba-Ahmed’s recent expression of interest in the 2027 presidential race, contingent on Obi’s decision not to run. While Baba-Ahmed has reaffirmed his support for Obi, Ibrahim’s remarks signal the LP’s intent to enforce party loyalty and broaden the field for its presidential nomination process. As the 2027 elections approach, the internal dynamics within the Labour Party and Obi’s political alignments are likely to shape the party’s strategy and candidate selection.
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