Datti Ahmed Declares for Presidency, Labour Party Disowns NEC Meeting Convened by Obi, Otti

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has formally declared his intention to run for president in 2027. The announcement was made during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council held in Umuahia, Abia State.

Datti, who ran alongside Peter Obi in 2023, said he is ready to take on the responsibility of leading the country and believes the Labour Party remains the most credible platform for genuine national transformation. His declaration comes amid growing internal divisions within the party.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party leadership has disowned the NEC meeting at which Datti made his announcement, stating that it was not officially sanctioned. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, released a statement distancing the leadership from the gathering, which was convened by Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti.

According to the statement, the party does not recognize any NEC meeting outside of what is stipulated by its constitution and called the Umuahia meeting unauthorized. The leadership also said it was focused on restructuring and rebuilding the party in line with democratic principles and internal discipline.

The clash signals deepening tensions within the Labour Party as it struggles with leadership disputes and preparations for the 2027 elections.