GistReel
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed has made a striking assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s political influence ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview with Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed argued that Tinubu has built a formidable political structure capable of giving him significant influence over the next election.
Despite disagreeing with some of the president’s policies, the former Labour Party chieftain acknowledged the years Tinubu spent building alliances and strengthening his political base.
Baba-Ahmed speaks on Tinubu’s political strategy
Reflecting on Tinubu’s political journey, Baba-Ahmed said the president achieved what several other politicians had been unable to accomplish.
Baba-Ahmed said, “Even though I don’t entirely agree with him, he did what others were not able to do. He organised for 16 years, not just plan.”
He also argued that Tinubu could make it difficult for opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 election.
Baba-Ahmed said, “He (Tinubu) will not allow them (opposition) to come together. He probably actually chooses candidates in the opposition parties. He installs leadership in those political parties. He does what you and I cannot imagine.”
‘Nigeria now belongs to Tinubu’ — Baba-Ahmed
Baba-Ahmed went further while assessing the president’s chances in 2027.
He said, “If Tinubu says something will happen, only God Almighty can stop it. If he says to be declared in 2027, only God Almighty can stop it.”
Asked whether his comments amounted to praise or criticism, Baba-Ahmed maintained that he was simply giving his assessment of Nigeria’s political situation.
He was Peter Obi’s running mate under the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election.