Yusuf Datti declares 2027 presidential bid under Labour Party, stressing his ambition predates Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign

Yusuf Datti, former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidency under the party.

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The announcement was made at a rally held at the LP national secretariat in Abuja, attended by party members and supporters.

Datti emphasised that his presidential aspiration is independent and predates the 2023 election.

“I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes,” he said.

He added, “Before His Excellency Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I aspired for the presidency. The records are there for you to see.”

The declaration comes a week after Peter Obi officially left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), creating a leadership vacuum within the party.

Political analysts suggest that Datti’s move signals a strategic early positioning to unify the party base and energise supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Datti urged party members to focus on producing quality leadership and to embrace a vision of independence and continuity.

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His announcement positions him as an early frontrunner within the Labour Party and highlights a campaign grounded in experience, long-term planning, and a clear assertion of political identity.