Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has sparked fresh political debate after claiming that Islam’s global image has suffered under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking at an event organised by the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed said it was difficult but necessary to voice his concerns.
“Listen carefully. It’s not easy for me to say this, but it must be said,” he declared.
He argued that the global perception of Islam has worsened during the current administration, stating, “The world of Islam has never suffered reputational damage like it has under the Tinubu-Shettima presidency.”
Baba-Ahmed added that historically, Muslim-led nations were associated with “peace, tranquillity, and justice,” suggesting that current developments have undermined that perception.
Drawing comparisons with past leaders such as Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, he noted that despite allegations of human rights abuses during their rule, they recorded significant strides in human development.
“Besides the human rights abuses, they have established records that are yet unsurpassed,” he said.
The former vice-presidential candidate, however, emphasised that his remarks were not driven by religious bias but by concerns over leadership quality.
“This is not about religion. If you are bringing a Christian, we want a genuine Christian. If you are bringing a Muslim, we want a genuine Muslim,” he added.
