To defeat Tinubu, do the unthinkable – Datti Baba Ahmed

Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, says unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027 will require more than forming alliances—it will take “the unthinkable.”

Speaking on Trust TV, Datti questioned the seriousness and structure of the new opposition coalition, which includes the Labour Party, ADC, and other parties.

“To defeat this phenomenon called Tinubu, you must do the unthinkable,” he said. “If this coalition—which I recognise—thinks it’s business as usual, it won’t work. It has to be less about individual ambition and more about Nigeria. More action, less talk. Because talk is cheap.”

He warned that superficial unity won’t challenge Tinubu’s grip on power.

“People are underestimating Tinubu,” he said. “Even Nigeria’s military rulers didn’t do what he’s doing. From councillor to president, this man has appointed, disappointed, installed, and removed at will. He is powerful.”

He highlighted Tinubu’s long-term political planning: “Tinubu gave Atiku the ACN in 2007. Gave it to Ribadu in 2011. Backed Buhari in 2015. And waited until 2023 to take it himself.”

Datti urged opposition leaders to suppress personal ambition for national interest.

“How many people are willing to suppress their own ambition for the good of Nigeria? That’s the real issue,” he said.

Though he supports the coalition and still believes in Labour Party’s strength, he warned:

“You don’t come in haphazardly and say you’ll defeat someone who has been planning for decades.”