Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has renewed calls for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political leadership, arguing that the country’s future should no longer be dominated by long-standing political figures.
Baba-Ahmed said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had already begun contesting for Nigeria’s presidency at a time when he himself was serving as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a reference he used to stress the length of Atiku’s political ambition.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed urged older political actors to create space for younger leaders with fresh ideas capable of addressing Nigeria’s deepening challenges. He argued that repeated presidential bids by veteran politicians discourage emerging leaders who may have better solutions but lack access to power structures.
“When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was already an aspirant. In 2018, we contested primaries together, and in 2023, we contested again. For God’s sake, in 2027 again?” Baba-Ahmed asked.
He maintained that a new generation of Nigerian leaders exists and is ready to step forward if given the opportunity. According to him, many capable Nigerians are sidelined by an expensive and complex political system dominated by godfathers and entrenched interests.
“There are people who can solve Nigeria’s problems, but they are discouraged by a treacherous system. Still, there are good Nigerians waiting for a leader who can mobilise them to fix this country,” he said.
Atiku Abubakar recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), from where he is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election.