The former Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said he might consider aspiring as a presidential candidate in 2027 if former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi and another unnamed figure from the southern part of the country drop out of the presidential race.

He made the disclosure on Tuesday evening while featuring on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

He added that he is not driven by personal ambition, but the need to secure Nigerians, stop stealing and ensure stability in the country. 

He also stated that he attempted to become Nigeria’s president in 2019 but failed.  

He, however, pledged continued loyalty to Obi and said he would back him again in 2027 if he chooses to run.

Speaking during the interview, Baba-Ahmed said, “Look at my trajectory, and I’ve said this repeatedly, that in 2019 I aspired for the presidency and I lost, together with 11 others.”

He added: “I religiously supported Peter Obi and I would do so again in 2027, unless certain two people that I have tremendous respect for decide not to take it, and God Almighty in His infinite mercies keeps dropping it for me.

“Except if that happens, I can tell you Peter will contest for sure because he’s in the game, he contested before, I’ll support him. If he doesn’t, or another person that I won’t call his name from the South, if they don’t contest, otherwise I’m not ambitious. My key ambition is to stop the killings, stop the stealing, stop the slide.”

Baba-Ahmed was Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, where the Labour Party came third behind candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic party (PDP).