Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s former vice presidential candidate, claims he nearly halted President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration.

He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not recovered from his earlier statements.

Speaking on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed expressed regret. He said Nigerians ignored his warnings. He urged citizens to act for themselves. They should not wait for foreign powers, especially the United States, to rescue the nation.

“I almost stopped this government’s swearing-in,” Baba-Ahmed declared. “Even today, some elements blame me for it. The APC has not recovered since my few comments.”

He lamented that warnings to the people went unheeded. “We are now paying a very high price,” he added. He stressed that no foreign country will solve Nigeria’s problems. “Americans will not bomb you into development. Nigerians, wake up!” he urged.

Guiding Principles and Political Accountability

His decisions, he explained, are guided by simple principles. “I love Nigeria,” he stated. “I want Nigeria to work. That is my guiding principle.”

Baba-Ahmed argued that Nigeria often allows self-serving politicians to gain power. These leaders are driven by personal and group interests. “Nigeria should have no leaders,” he asserted, “whose entire focus is re-election and personal gain.”

He called on citizens to resist electoral manipulation in 2027. “Do not let anyone rig the next election,” he warned. “They will rig, and you mean nothing to them. The Constitution means nothing to them. One individual will interpret it as they wish.”

Challenges in Education Sector and Baze University

Baba-Ahmed then turned to education, his preferred area of focus. He explained the values behind founding Baze University. “Our family legacy is in education,” he said. “Whenever I complain, I also take action.”

He condemned widespread rule-breaking in new institution establishment. “Even existing education policy is being abused,” he fumed. “This government breaks its own laws.” He noted that universities start in rented buildings. “This is illegal,” Baba-Ahmed declared.

Regulators, he claimed, tried to undermine Baze University. “They want to fight me,” he stated. “They want to reduce our quality. But I will speak the truth, regardless of the consequences.”