Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, has renewed his call for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political leadership, saying the country cannot continue recycling the same faces if it hopes to progress.
Speaking on Friday, Datti reflected on his long political journey alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that Atiku has been pursuing the presidency for decades. “When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was already an aspirant. In 2018 we contested primaries together, in 2023 again, and in 2027 too?” he said, highlighting the repeated bids of older politicians amid Nigeria’s growing social and economic challenges.
He argued that the nation’s leadership crisis is partly fueled by senior figures refusing to step aside for younger, more energetic leaders. “There is a new generation of Nigerian leaders ready to take the reins and bring fresh ideas to move the country forward,” Datti said.
The former lawmaker also criticised Nigeria’s political system, describing it as hostile to credible individuals who genuinely want to serve. He said godfatherism, high financial demands, and empty political promises discourage capable Nigerians from participating.
“Until the political space becomes more fair and accessible, Nigeria will continue to lose out on the talents of its best minds,” he added.
Datti concluded that millions of Nigerians are waiting for honest, selfless leadership capable of uniting the country and addressing its deep-rooted problems. He stressed that meaningful change will only happen when a new generation is empowered to shape the nation’s future.
