Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed, has stirred intense public discussion following the circulation of a video in which he asserted that removing President Bola Tinubu from office would require strong popular resistance rather than depending solely on judicial processes.
In the widely shared footage, Baba-Ahmed voiced dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s electoral framework and justice system, alleging that constitutional provisions were violated during the 2023 presidential election. He maintained that the courts, on their own, lack the capacity to correct what he described as deeply rooted electoral irregularities.
He disclosed that he had previously cautioned Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against placing excessive confidence in court judgments, arguing that the judiciary cannot simply overturn a presidential mandate under such circumstances. According to him, real political change demands action that extends beyond legal battles.
Referencing Nigeria’s historic June 12 struggle, Baba-Ahmed explained that past political movements succeeded because they were forceful, persistent, and well-organised. He noted that those involved at the time mobilised citizens over many years to challenge perceived injustice and defend their interests.
Despite condemning what he described as repeated violations of the constitution, the former senator acknowledged the effectiveness of the political establishment in protecting its interests. He said those in power have consistently shown an ability to organise, sustain pressure, and maintain influence across decades.
Baba-Ahmed further alleged that Nigeria’s electoral environment often labels those who challenge disputed results as lawbreakers, while individuals involved in declaring questionable outcomes are frequently shielded by security agencies and presented as lawful actors.
He stressed that any opposition hoping to unseat President Tinubu must be prepared to confront the political system with firmness and resolve. Using the phrase “red eye,” he described the level of determination and vigilance he believes is necessary, insisting that legal action alone is unlikely to produce meaningful change.
The remarks have continued to spark mixed reactions across social media, with supporters praising his frank assessment of Nigeria’s political realities, while critics accuse him of endorsing confrontational tactics that could heighten political tension.
