The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that Peter Obi is free to pursue the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election, with or without him as running mate.
He recently revealed that it won’t affect his respect for the ex-Anambra State governor.
Speaking while appearing as a guest on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme, the Labour Party politician shared that the party would welcome Obi if he decides to retain the Labour Party presidential ticket in 2027.
“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,” he said.
Reacting to Peter Obi’s involvement in recent coalition talks spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Datti Baba-Ahmed insisted that it doesn’t amount to anti-party activity.
According to him, a coalition simply means a gathering of different political parties, so Obi is free to continue attending coalition meetings.
“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,” Datti said.
He further noted that Labour Party is not a party to walk away from or abandon in the near future.
Datti Baba-Ahmed concluded by saying that he’ll keep bringing people together at his party for the greater good of Nigeria.
“The Labour Party is not a party to walk away from, not a party to be abandoned or to be ignored.
I assure you that for every little step I take, concerned parties are aware; I don’t need to get too much into our internal operation, but give you a categorical answer — everyone that has to do with everything that I do is aware.
I call for parties to get together and talk; that’s the way forward. When the parties meet, journalists will get the headlines of what was discussed. I’m a positive catalyst in this case. I’m bringing people together to unite, understand themselves, and make good efforts again to rescue Nigeria,” he added.
