Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has revealed that he nearly prevented the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu’s government, claiming that some comments he made continue to unsettle the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed expressed frustration that his repeated warnings to Nigerians were largely ignored. He urged citizens not to rely on foreign powers, particularly the United States, to solve Nigeria’s problems.
“I nearly stopped the swearing-in of this government. Up till today, some elements are blaming me. Ever since a few comments I made, the APC has not recovered.
We kept telling the people repeatedly, and they wouldn’t listen. That is why we are paying a very high price.
Nobody from any country will do for you what you refuse to do for yourself. Americans will not bomb you into development. Nigerians, wake up,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his guiding principle is love for Nigeria and the desire to see the country succeed. He criticized the repeated rise of politicians motivated by personal or group interests rather than the national good.
“Nigeria should have no leaders whose entire preoccupation is re-election and personal interest,” he stated, urging citizens to resist electoral manipulation in 2027.
“Do not allow anybody to rig in 2027. They will rig, and you mean nothing to them. The Constitution means nothing if one individual dictates how it should be interpreted,” he warned.
Turning to education, a sector close to his heart, Baba-Ahmed spoke about the values that inspired the founding of Baze University, highlighting his family’s legacy in education.
“Whenever I see a problem, I take action. Even if there is an education policy, they are abusing it. This government is breaking its own laws. Universities are being allowed to operate in rented buildings, and that is illegal,” he said.
He also accused some regulatory bodies of trying to undermine Baze University.
“They want to fight me and water down the quality of education. But I will speak the truth, regardless of the consequences,” he added.
