By SUNTV Global Channel | June 3, 2026
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has stirred political debate ahead of the 2027 general election after declaring that former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke would emerge victorious in a free and fair presidential contest.
Baba-Ahmed, who was the running mate of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, made the remarks during an interview on the Symfoni Podcast, where he offered his assessment of the political landscape heading into the next election cycle.
When asked which opposition figure could defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a transparent and credible election, Baba-Ahmed surprisingly named Donald Duke as his preferred candidate.
“In a free and fair election, Donald Duke is the winner,” he stated.
The interviewer pressed further, asking whether Peter Obi could also emerge victorious under such circumstances. However, Baba-Ahmed maintained his position.
“I’m serious. In a free and fair election in Nigeria, Donald Duke is the winner,” he reiterated.
The former senator stressed that his statement was not based on prophecy or personal prediction but rather on his evaluation of Nigeria’s political realities and voter preferences.
“I’m not a soothsayer, and I’m not a prophet. What I’m saying is not a prediction. It’s simply my assessment,” he explained.
Baba-Ahmed also made a bold claim regarding President Tinubu’s electoral prospects, asserting that the incumbent would struggle significantly in a genuinely competitive election.
“If the election is free and fair, you will not find Tinubu among the first three candidates,” he said.
According to him, Donald Duke possesses qualities that could make him a formidable presidential contender if he chooses to enter the race and runs an effective national campaign.
“As an ordinary Nigerian, I believe that if Donald Duke contests and does the right things, he can become Nigeria’s next president,” Baba-Ahmed added.
The former lawmaker also used the interview to criticize the current administration and caution against the use of religion as a tool for political manipulation or injustice.
His comments are expected to generate mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among supporters of Peter Obi, given Baba-Ahmed’s prominent role in the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign.
Political analysts say the remarks highlight growing conversations within opposition circles as potential contenders and alliances begin positioning themselves ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.
With the race still more than a year away, Baba-Ahmed’s endorsement of Donald Duke has added a fresh dimension to discussions about who could challenge President Tinubu for Nigeria’s highest office.
