Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed isn’t holding back. The former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate has warned anyone thinking of taking on President Bola Tinubu that this won’t be a game and the courtroom won’t save you.
Speaking at a recent public engagement, Baba-Ahmed warned that any serious challenger must be ready for an intense political contest, stressing that victory would not come through the courts. “Whoever is going to defeat Tinubu must be ready to show red eyes. There’s no going to court,” he said.
His remarks have triggered mixed reactions. Supporters argue he was emphasizing the need for vigilance, grassroots mobilisation, and strong electoral organisation to prevent manip+lation before and during elections. Critics, however, say the language could heighten political tension in an already charged atmosphere.
Baba-Ahmed, a long-time critic of Nigeria’s electoral process, appeared to be urging opposition forces to focus on protecting votes and building structures on the ground, rather than relying on legal challenges after results are announced.
The comments come as early political calculations begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures debating the most effective strategy to challenge the APC and President Tinubu’s incumbency.
