Datti Baba-Ahmed Claims Tinubu’s Opponents Lack The Capacity To Better Nigeria

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, a former vise presidential candidate for the Labor Party, claims that none of the candidates running against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, including Peter Obi, his former running mate, can make Nigeria better.

The comments were made by Baba-Ahmed during a Saturday interview with Seun Okinbaloye on the Mic On Podcast.

He was answering a query about the counsel he would offer Tinubu on how to lead the nation.

According to the former lawmaker, Tinubu should get ready to step down from office but should not cede power to any of the politicians who are currently running against him.

“I will simply advise uncle (Tinubu) to please prepare to hand over and move away, but not to the people contesting against him because none of them will improve Nigeria,” he said.

Asked to clarify whether he was referring to all the opposition candidates, Baba-Ahmed said, “None of that part. Tinubu should leave the stage. All those people contesting against him, too—they were all in bed together at some point or another.”

When asked whether he was referring to Peter Obi, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Including Peter Obi, I’m sorry to say.”

“Tell me one politician who has never been in a ruling party. Tell me.”

“I have never been in a ruling party. While I was in CPC, CPC was the leading opposition party, even above ANPP then. When they merged with APC and came to power, you have my letter of resignation from the then, uh, APC because… even though I was, because I have never had a card, a membership card of APC. Never. I never had a membership card of APC.”

Baba-Ahmed and Obi were the Labour Party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates respectively in the 2023 election.

Baba-Ahmed later left the Labour Party for the Peoples Redemption Party.

Does this mean that Tinubu is the only one capable of saving Nigeria? While he may have his strengths, it’s important to recognize that Nigeria’s challenges require collective effort and diverse leadership. No single individual has all the answers, and sustainable progress depends on unity, innovation, and the active participation of all stakeholders. If you believe Tinubu’s opponents are also not capable of making positive change, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what qualities or approaches do you think are necessary to truly turn Nigeria’s fortunes around?