By TheDailyNewsHub
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has said only God can prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing re-election in the 2027 presidential election, citing the President’s extensive political influence and control of Nigeria’s political space.
Baba-Ahmed made the comment during an interview with Trust TV while discussing the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections and the efforts by opposition politicians to form a united platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Baba-Ahmed, Tinubu has built a formidable political structure over many years and currently possesses significant influence over Nigeria’s political system.
“Tinubu will not allow 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,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed added: “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.”
When asked whether the assessment amounted to praise or criticism of the President, Baba-Ahmed said it was open to interpretation.
“It is anybody’s business to interpret it anyhow. I only state the facts. And the fact is Nigeria now belongs to Tinubu,” he said.
The former Labour Party chieftain, however, acknowledged Tinubu’s political experience and ability to build alliances, even while disagreeing with many of his policies.
Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu spent about 16 years building a political base and played a significant role in bringing former President Muhammadu Buhari into an alliance ahead of the 2015 presidential election.
“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,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“He organised for 16 years against all odds, he brought in Buhari from retirement. Buhari is from across the Niger. He stood for that.”
His comments come as opposition politicians continue to explore alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a major platform for opposition realignment, with several prominent politicians joining the party or working with the coalition around it.
Baba-Ahmed also questioned the ability of opposition parties to unite effectively against Tinubu, arguing that the President’s political organisation gives him a considerable advantage.
The former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, which was won by Tinubu.
Baba-Ahmed’s latest comments are notable because they came from a politician who was previously a prominent critic of the Tinubu administration and part of the Labour Party ticket that challenged Tinubu in the 2023 election.
His remarks should not, however, be interpreted as an endorsement of Tinubu. In the same interview, Baba-Ahmed maintained that he does not entirely agree with the President and was discussing what he described as Tinubu’s political strength and influence.
The 2027 presidential contest is expected to become increasingly competitive as political parties select candidates and opposition groups attempt to consolidate their alliances.