2027: I Won’t Campaign Against Uncle Bola, Says Baba-Ahmed

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said he will not campaign against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Baba-Ahmed explained that his position was based on fairness and should not be seen as abandoning Peter Obi, his former running mate.

Speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, he said he would not deliberately weaken Tinubu while supporting another presidential contender.

“In the way the 2027 elections are, I will not disadvantage Uncle Tinubu,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He argued that asking Tinubu to step aside while actively promoting another candidate could give some contenders an unfair advantage.

“I don’t want to unduly disadvantage a key opponent,” he added.

The former LP Chieftain said his comments did not amount to an endorsement of either Obi or former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

He explained that the issue arose after the podcast host, Seun Okinbaloye, repeatedly questioned him about whether his position also applied to Obi.

“It was not what I went to discuss with Seun, but Seun found a way of bringing that topic and insisting, including Peter Obi,” he said.

Despite his position on Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed maintained that he still supports Obi.

He said he disagreed with some of Obi’s political decisions but remained committed to supporting him.

“What I have done to support Peter Obi, I can repeat it. Peter Obi knows I stood for him. I still stand by him,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also rejected claims that Obi had abandoned him politically.

He said he had warned the former Anambra governor in January 2024 about the need to develop a clearer political strategy.

“Now they keep saying that he dropped me. He didn’t drop me,” Baba-Ahmed said.

The former Labour Party candidate also spoke warmly about Atiku, describing the former vice-president as a father figure.

“Between me and Atiku, it’s much, much, much respect,” he said.

His comments come as opposition figures continue to debate possible alliances and political alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election.