Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has ignited debate on social media after a video surfaced in which he claimed that defeating President Bola Tinubu would require “red eye” tactics rather than relying solely on legal challenges.
The video, shared on X on Thursday by user #_Dejii, features Baba-Ahmed criticising Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems, alleging breaches of the Constitution during the 2023 presidential election.
“I told Peter Obi, Supreme Court cannot give you governor and give you presidency. For God’s sake, stand up and do something. The Nigerian Constitution was clearly breached,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed drew comparisons to the June 12 struggle, noting that political actors in the past vigorously defended their interests and mobilised Nigerians over long periods to challenge injustice.
“Now if it was the June 12 people that you breached, not just the constitution, but breached one punctuation in their interest, I swear to God, nobody will sleep,” he added.
While condemning what he called constitutional abuse, Baba-Ahmed acknowledged that those in power are skilled at organising and protecting their interests.
“So as much as I dislike the fact that they abuse the Nigerian Constitution, you must give it to them.
They fight for their interests, they can organise June 12 rallies, they can keep it up for three decades.”
He warned that any opposition aiming to unseat Tinubu must be prepared to confront the system decisively.
Baba-Ahmed also alleged that individuals opposing the declaration of what he termed “fake results” are often branded criminals, while those attempting to declare such results are shielded by law enforcement and portrayed as good citizens.
“You must show your red eyes if you’re going to defeat Tinubu, because on that day that they are declaring the result, the people declaring a fake result are criminals, and those who are stopping the declaration of fake results are good citizens.”
“Whoever is going to defeat Tinubu must show red eye,” he stressed, adding that court action alone may not be sufficient.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions online. Some Nigerians praised Baba-Ahmed’s critique of the electoral process, while others condemned the comments.
User Deji wrote, “Datti for President,” while #Jasonabba added, “I am a strong Obedient and Igbo to the core but the day Datti decides to run for Election I wouldn’t look Obi’s way. And I’m dead serious.”
Other reactions included criticism of his approach.
“Take this lightly if you will, but this man is indirectly calling for massive unrest and turmoil and he doesn’t strike me like someone to lead from the front when things go wrong,” said #I_S_A_D.
