Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Baba-Ahmed made the declaration during a rally held at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

His announcement comes just a week after the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, formally exited the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Addressing party members and supporters, Baba-Ahmed stressed that his decision to run was not influenced by Obi’s recent political move, noting that his presidential ambition predates the 2023 elections.

“I have made myself available to contest for the office in 2027. I am not following anyone’s political path or stepping into anyone’s shoes,” he said.

He added, “Before His Excellency, Governor Peter Obi, declared his intention to run for president, I had already aspired to the presidency. The records are there for everyone to see.”