Datti Baba-Ahmed, the vice-presidential candidate of Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has called on President Bola Tinubu to step down from seeking re-election in 2027.
Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said the political signs indicate that Tinubu would lose if he contests again.
He described Tinubu’s presidency as part of a larger pattern of failed leadership, warning that Nigerians are growing increasingly disillusioned.
“I expect Tinubu to throw in the towel, if he’s really that smart,” he said. “His time is up.”
Baba-Ahmed accused Tinubu of manipulating political events over the years, pointing to the roles he played in past elections. “He skipped 2007 and backed Atiku, made Buhari president in 2015, skipped 2019, and then stole 2023. But 2027? He’s going to lose,” he added.
Without naming them, he mentioned that there are already two strong potential candidates who could defeat Tinubu and serve as what he called the president’s “nemesis.”
He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), labelling it “a lie.” Baba-Ahmed said former President Muhammadu Buhari failed to develop the country or tackle insecurity during his time in office — and believes Tinubu is on the same path.
“Buhari did not fight corruption, and neither will Tinubu,” he said.
Looking ahead, Baba-Ahmed expressed hope that Nigerians will unite to demand better leadership and genuinely practise democracy.
“Nigerians will come out and practise democracy for the first time,” he said. “Bad leadership will have no hiding place, and the country can finally begin to heal.”
Neither President Tinubu nor the APC has responded to Baba-Ahmed’s comments at the time of reporting.