Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s opposition leaders, declaring that defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections will require more than mere political alliances, it will demand bold, strategic, and “unthinkable” actions.
In a candid interview aired on Trust TV, Datti questioned the seriousness of the current opposition coalition, which includes the Labour Party and other political parties. He expressed skepticism about their ability to challenge Tinubu if they continue with what he called a “business-as-usual” approach.
According to Datti, Nigeria’s opposition must rise beyond superficial mergers and take unprecedented steps to present a real threat in 2027. He stressed that any meaningful effort to unseat Tinubu must be rooted in selfless leadership, deep understanding of Nigeria’s political terrain, and a commitment to national interest over personal ambition.
He pointed out that many Nigerians underestimate the depth of Tinubu’s political reach, noting that the president has spent decades strategically building alliances, influencing appointments, and grooming loyalists across all levels of government. Datti described Tinubu as a long-term political tactician who has meticulously positioned himself for power, making him a formidable opponent that cannot be taken lightly.
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“President Tinubu didn’t just emerge overnight, he has made governors, senators, and ministers over the years. He understands the game and has mastered it,” Datti said. “If you think you can beat him without doing the unthinkable, then you are not ready.”
Datti also challenged members of the opposition coalition to prove their commitment to Nigeria by setting aside individual aspirations. He raised a critical question: “How many of us are truly ready to abandon personal ambition for the collective good of the nation?” According to him, unity alone won’t guarantee success unless it’s backed by sacrifice, clarity of purpose, and a willingness to disrupt the status quo.
His remarks have ignited conversation across the political space, with many interpreting his comments as a call for a new kind of opposition politics, one rooted in courage, innovation, and national interest.
Datti Baba-Ahmed’s statement is a direct challenge to opposition leaders to rethink their strategy if they are serious about breaking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s grip on power.
