Former Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said the time has come to give “fresh blood” a chance in Nigerian politics, stressing the need for a new generation of leaders to break through entrenched structures of godfatherism and broken promises.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed recalled that Atiku Abubakar has been contesting for the presidency since his own days as a youth corps member.
“When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was an aspirant, and in 2018, we contested the primaries together. In 2023, we contested again, with me as a vice-presidential candidate elsewhere, when his vice president had left him. And, for God’s sake, in 2027 again,” he said.
He argued that Nigeria needs new-generation politicians who are capable of solving the country’s problems but are discouraged by an expensive and treacherous political system.
Baba-Ahmed, however, denied declaring interest in contesting the presidency in 2027. He explained that his comments were misinterpreted, clarifying that he only reaffirmed his membership of the Labour Party.
“I never declared to contest the presidency even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I simply reiterated my membership of the Labour Party,” he said.
He added that any declaration of interest must wait for the INEC timetable and the party’s official call for aspirants.
Obi’s Move to ADC
His remarks came days after Peter Obi, LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, teamed up with the coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC). At an event in Enugu, Obi described the coalition as a platform to “rescue” Nigeria in 2026.
Despite Obi’s move, Baba-Ahmed insisted that the Labour Party remains strong enough to challenge for power. He also emphasized that Obi would be welcomed back if he fails to secure the ADC ticket.
“If Peter Obi does not get the ticket there in ADC, he is more than welcome back to the Labour Party. I will stand there and nobody will do anything bad to Peter Obi. It is better for him to come back than for him to do another type of agenda,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed dismissed reports suggesting he had left the Labour Party, describing them as false. He reiterated his pride in what he and Obi achieved together in 2023, while blaming social media sensationalism for spreading misleading narratives.
“Those who employ sensationalism on social media are putting out wrong narratives to emotional listeners,” he said.
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