Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is free to compete for the Labour Party’s presidential ticket in 2027, regardless of whether he returns as his running partner, according to Datti Baba-Ahmed, the party’s 2023 vice presidential candidate.
This was said by Baba-Ahmed on Wednesday during an appearance as a guest 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.
The former senator said Nigeria needs leaders with the capacity to govern effectively and not deliver failure.
“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 stated.
Responding to concerns that Obi’s recent participation in coalition talks led by the African Democratic Congress amounted to anti-party activity, Baba-Ahmed said it was not the case.
“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,” Baba-Ahmed said.
Ahead of the general election in 2027, he also discussed his views on the divisive topic of zoning, saying that the next president ought to come from the South.
Baba-Ahmed and Peter Obi campaigned on the Labour Party’s platform in the 2023 presidential election.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s final findings, President Bola Tinubu was proclaimed the victor, while Obi came in third.
