A senior official of Nigeria’s Labour Party has asserted that Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, is fully eligible to seek the nation’s presidency, positioning him as equally qualified as former standard-bearer Peter Obi. Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party’s National Secretary, emphasized this during a televised interview while criticizing Obi’s perceived ties to a rival political group.
Speaking to Trust TV, Ibrahim underscored the Labour Party’s commitment to open competition for its presidential ticket, dismissing notions of reserved candidacies. “Datti is as qualified to contest for the presidency as Peter Obi. The seat isn’t reserved for anyone—it’s open for a competitive contest,” he stated. His remarks align with growing internal discussions about the party’s future direction after its unexpected performance in the 2023 elections, where Obi and Baba-Ahmed secured millions of votes despite ultimately losing to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Ibrahim confirmed that Baba-Ahmed would need to formally declare his ambitions under the party’s guidelines, including purchasing nomination forms and rallying support. However, he issued a pointed warning to members exploring alliances outside the Labour Party, particularly referencing Obi’s engagement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition of opposition groups. “If you continue to romance with another party while keeping one foot in the Labour Party, you may be disqualified ab initio [from the outset],” he cautioned. The statement reflects growing tensions within the party as it seeks to solidify its identity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The ADC, backed by a coalition of opposition figures, has recently gained attention as a potential platform for political realignments. While Obi has not formally joined the ADC, his participation in its events has fueled speculation about his plans. Ibrahim’s comments signal the Labour Party’s resolve to enforce strict membership loyalty, framing cross-party collaborations as incompatible with securing its nomination.
Analysts view the developments as part of broader strategic calculations within Nigeria’s opposition ranks. The Labour Party’s rise in 2023, driven largely by Obi’s appeal to young voters, has prompted introspection about maintaining momentum. By asserting Baba-Ahmed’s viability, the party appears keen to highlight its bench strength while pressuring high-profile figures to clarify their affiliations.
The coming months are likely to see intensified jostling for position, with Nigeria’s political landscape remaining fluid. For now, the Labour Party’s leadership insists its doors remain open to aspirants—provided they commit fully to its framework. As Ibrahim reiterated, “The opportunity is there, but it requires decisiveness. Half-hearted loyalty won’t suffice.”
