SUNTV Global Channel | January 8, 2026
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has taken a strong swipe at his former running mate, Peter Obi, following Obi’s decision to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, describing him and others as “political travellers” who were “gifted a presidential ticket.”
Speaking on Wednesday while formally declaring his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, Baba-Ahmed distanced himself from the ongoing wave of defections, insisting that he remains firmly rooted in the Labour Party.
Without mentioning Obi by name, Baba-Ahmed said a group of politicians who were welcomed into Labour Party in 2022 with a presidential ticket had simply “continued with their political journey.”
“In this defection case, neither my humble self nor the Labour Party are the aggressors. A group of political travellers welcomed in 2022 with a presidential ticket continued with their journey. Simple,” he said.
Laying out part of his vision, Baba-Ahmed promised a dramatic increase in salaries for public servants if elected president.
“By June 2027, salaries of public servants, especially security personnel and teachers, will be four times what they are currently paid. Nigeria can afford it,” he declared.
Addressing security operatives and teachers directly, he added that those often “looked down upon” deserve dignity and improved welfare, pledging to ensure they earn nothing less than four times their present income.
Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, stating that the party won the 2023 presidential election in the eyes of Nigerians and still holds great promise.
“I have not left Labour Party because I am not satisfied with a coalition of disgruntled politicians who could not even challenge 2023 constitutional breaches,” he said.
He challenged other presidential hopefuls to prove they had never belonged to a ruling party.
“Show me just one major aspirant that has never been in a ruling party. I am that one. The records are there,” he declared.
He further stressed that he has no intention of joining any ruling party, except one he hopes to form himself.
Emphasising his independence, Baba-Ahmed said he is not following anyone’s political path.
“I am my own boss. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory. I’m not stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said.
He also revealed that his presidential ambition predates that of Peter Obi, recalling how he sought Obi’s vote during the PDP presidential primaries in 2018.
“Before His Excellency Peter Obi aspired for presidency, I aspired before him. The records are there,” he noted.
Labour Party’s Track Record
Despite financial challenges and what he described as “perfected electoral fraud,” Baba-Ahmed highlighted Labour Party’s achievements, including producing one state governor, eight senators, and about 40 members of the House of Representatives.
He urged Nigerians and supporters to focus on facts rather than online hostility.
“Nigerians know the truth. Nigerians, please use the truth,” he said.
— Reporting by SUNTV Global Channel
