Former Labour Party Vice Presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider running for a second term in 2027.
The appeal comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with harsh economic conditions, insecurity, and rising public dissatisfaction.
While speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Baba-Ahmed said the country’s political environment no longer favours the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He insisted that Tinubu would be wise to step down and avoid contesting in the next election.
“I expect Tinubu to throw in the towel if he is that smart politician that he turns out to be,” Baba-Ahmed stated during the interview.
The Labour Party chieftain explained that the economic situation under Tinubu’s leadership has worsened, making life more difficult for average Nigerians.
He argued that things have only gone downhill since the current administration took over in 2023.
Therefore, according to him, it would be unfair for the president to seek another term when the people are already feeling let down.
Moreover, Baba-Ahmed took a swipe at the president’s political history.
He sarcastically referred to Tinubu as a “super smart” strategist, referencing his past support for various presidential hopefuls.
“He skipped 2007 and jokingly made Atiku candidate, made Ribadu and somebody in 2011, made Buhari in 2015, Buhari won, and then skipped 2019 and they stole 2023. If he is that smart, everything is there for him that he’s going to lose 2027,” he said.
He further compared Tinubu to former President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that both leaders failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians in key areas like security, development, and anti-corruption.
“Buhari did not develop Nigeria, Buhari did not provide security, Buhari did not fight corruption. Neither will Tinubu ever do this,” Baba-Ahmed stressed.
“I see APC losing this election. I see Nigerians somehow uniting, listening to what someone like me is saying that if you cannot practice this, democracy is not for you, and then Nigerians will decide to come out and practice democracy for the first time, and then bad leadership will begin to have no hiding place in Nigeria,” he said.
Furthermore, the Labour Party leader said his message was rooted in the current hardship experienced by citizens, adding that it is time Nigerians embraced genuine change.
The 2027 presidential election may become a turning point, he said, if voters choose to act in favour of true democratic principles.
