“You’ve Been Contesting Since my NYSC Days; It’s Time to Step Aside,” Baba-Ahmed tells Atiku

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has called for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political leadership, insisting that the country urgently needs new leaders to tackle its challenges.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Datti reflected on his long political journey alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting the many times they have competed for leadership positions.

“When I was serving my NYSC, Baba Atiku was already an aspirant, and in 2018 we contested primaries together,” he said. He further recalled facing Atiku again during the 2023 general election.

“In 2023, we contested again – I, as a vice-presidential candidate elsewhere, when his own running mate had left him. And for God’s sake, in 2027 again?” Datti added.

The Labour Party chieftain stressed that Nigeria needs a fresh generation of leaders. He noted that many capable Nigerians are willing and ready to serve but are discouraged by the country’s political system.

“There is a need for a new generation of Nigerian leaders, and they exist. A whole new generation is waiting for a credible leader to guide them in a new direction,” he said.

Datti also criticised the structure of Nigeria’s politics, describing it as costly, difficult, and dominated by godfathers. “There are good Nigerians, people capable of solving the country’s problems, but they are discouraged by an expensive, treacherous system full of godfathers and empty promises,” he said.

Earlier, Datti dismissed reports suggesting he had declared his intention to contest the presidency, calling such claims false. He concluded by reiterating that many competent Nigerians are awaiting credible leadership to address the nation’s challenges.