The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Mr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has reiterated his call for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political leadership, saying the country urgently needs new leaders to address its challenges.
Baba-Ahmed made the call on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television, where he reflected on his long political journey alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, Abubakar had been contesting for the presidency for decades, dating back to when he (Baba-Ahmed) was serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was an aspirant, and in 2018 we contested primaries together,” he said.
He recalled that he again faced Abubakar during the 2023 general election.
“In 2023, we contested again. I, as a vice president elsewhere, when his vice president had left him. And for God’s sake, in 2027 again?” Baba-Ahmed said.
The Labour Party chieftain stressed the need for a fresh generation of leaders in the country, adding that many capable Nigerians were ready to serve but were discouraged by the prevailing political structure.
“There is need for a new generation of Nigerian leaders, and they do exist. A whole new generation are waiting for a new leader to lead them to a new party,” he said.
He further criticised Nigeria’s political system, describing it as expensive, difficult and dominated by godfathers.
“There are good Nigerians, people capable of solving Nigeria’s problems, but they are discouraged by the expensive, difficult, treacherous system full of godfathers and bad promises,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed also dismissed reports suggesting that he had declared his intention to contest the presidency, describing such claims as false.
He concluded by saying that many competent Nigerians were waiting for credible leadership to help fix the nation’s problems.
