Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon any plans for re-election, citing Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis and insecurity under his administration. Baba-Ahmed argues that Tinubu’s policies have failed to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, making his 2027 bid untenable.

Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Friday, Baba-Ahmed stated that the signs of Tinubu’s impending electoral defeat are unmistakable. He urged the president to recognize the growing discontent among Nigerians and step aside.

“I expect Tinubu to throw in the towel if he is that smart politician,” Baba-Ahmed said. “Everything is there for him to see—he’s going to lose in 2027. There are two possible candidates I cannot mention who will be his nemesis. His time has come.”

Baba-Ahmed criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing former President Muhammadu Buhari of failing to deliver development, security, or anti-corruption efforts—a legacy he claims Tinubu is continuing.

“Buhari did not fight corruption. Neither will Tinubu ever do this,”he said. “Nigerians are suffering, and they are beginning to wake up. If this democracy cannot work for the people, then bad leaders will have no hiding place. We must heal this nation, recover, and unite as brothers and sisters.”

Tinubu’s Camp Responds with Defiance

In response, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, dismissed Baba-Ahmed’s remarks as “flawed, devoid of reason, and empty.”

Dare insisted that Tinubu’s economic reforms—despite widespread hardship—are yielding results, citing IMF approval as evidence. He argued that performance, not “armchair theories,” will secure Tinubu’s re-election.

“Politics is not for theorists or the faint-hearted,” Dare said. “Tinubu will win comfortably in 2027 because his tough choices are already improving the economy.”

A Nation at a Crossroads

As Nigeria grapples with soaring inflation, unemployment, and insecurity, Baba-Ahmed’s critique resonates with many frustrated citizens. While Tinubu’s allies remain confident, the Labour Party stalwart insists that Nigerians are ready for change—and that 2027 will be their chance to demand it.

“Their time is up,” Baba-Ahmed declared. “The people will decide.”