Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has reignited debate over Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race by advocating for a southern presidency and cautioning against political manoeuvres that may sideline key southern leaders.
In a video clip now circulating widely on social media, Baba-Ahmed firmly declared that “the default position of thinking is that the presidency should be from the South”, reinforcing long-standing sentiments about zoning and equity in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
His comments come amid growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as the presidential candidate under the newly energized African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. Baba-Ahmed questioned the implications of such a move for Southern leaders like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi.
“So if Atiku takes the ADC ticket, how will Amaechi and Peter Obi react?” he asked pointedly.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 general election, made it clear that he does not support Obi accepting a vice-presidential role in any proposed opposition alliance.
“I think Peter Obi shouldn’t be a VP,” he stated emphatically, suggesting the former Anambra governor remains a viable presidential candidate in his own right.
Political analysts view Baba-Ahmed’s statement as a direct signal to opposition coalitions forming ahead of 2027, urging them to respect the principles of rotation and regional justice while reaffirming the Labour Party’s ambition to lead, rather than play a supporting role, in any alliance.
As political realignments continue to unfold and the 2027 elections inch closer, Baba-Ahmed’s comments are likely to shape further debate around zoning, leadership equity, and the strategic calculations of Nigeria’s fragmented opposition.
