Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has renewed his push for a generational shift in Nigeria’s leadership, declaring that the country can no longer depend on the same old political faces as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed remarked that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been contesting for Nigeria’s top office since his own National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days—an observation he said underscores the urgent need for fresh leadership.
“Atiku started contesting when I was doing my NYSC. There is a need for a new generation of Nigerian leaders,” Baba-Ahmed said.
According to him, Nigeria stands at a crossroads where economic hardship, persistent insecurity, and weak institutions demand leaders with renewed energy, modern ideas, and a deeper grasp of contemporary governance. While acknowledging that political experience has its place, Baba-Ahmed argued that it should not be used to shut out capable younger leaders.
“There is a whole new generation waiting for leadership,” he stressed. “They are capable, prepared, and ready to solve Nigeria’s problems if given the opportunity.”
The former VP candidate urged Nigerians to look beyond long-standing political loyalties and instead prioritize accountability, competence, and vision. He insisted that real change would only come through the deliberate inclusion of a new generation in governance.
Baba-Ahmed also challenged young Nigerians not to retreat into apathy, noting that their sustained political engagement remains critical to shaping the country’s leadership and securing a better future.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, his message is clear: Nigeria’s next chapter, he says, must be written by a new generation.
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