Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party (LP) chieftain and 2023 vice-presidential candidate, expressed surprise that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar continues to seek the presidency in 2027, noting that Atiku has been pursuing the office since Baba-Ahmed’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the need for a new generation of Nigerian leaders, criticizing a political system he described as expensive, difficult, and dominated by godfathers and broken promises. He added that capable citizens are willing to serve but are discouraged by systemic barriers.

He clarified that he has not declared presidential ambitions for 2027, merely reaffirming his Labour Party membership, and urged the public to disregard sensational claims circulating on social media.

APC and PDP Deny Defections

In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed reports that its former National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, defected to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). The party affirmed Adamu remains a committed member, and the viral photograph cited was part of an APC membership revalidation exercise, not a defection.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) debunked claims that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed planned to leave the party. State PDP Chairman Sama’ila Adamu Burga confirmed the governor’s loyalty and emphasized that no defection plans exist.

Additionally, former Bayelsa Governor and Senator Henry Seriake Dickson refuted reports of leaving the PDP for ADC, citing a period of mourning and consultation before making any political decisions.

Labour Party Faction Updates

The LP interim leadership, led by Nenadi Usman, urged the INEC to recognize Senators Usman and Darlington Nwokocha as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, in line with the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court ruling. The party reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and credible congresses while supporting former presidential candidate Peter Obi in his new political journey with the ADC.

Baba-Ahmed stressed the importance of fresh leadership in Nigeria, highlighting the need for a generational shift in politics to break cycles of unmet promises and political gatekeeping.