Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has claimed that he almost prevented the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed said his warnings to Nigerians ahead of the 2023 elections were largely ignored, and that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not fully recovered from comments he made at the time.

“I nearly stopped the swearing-in of this government. Up till today, some elements are blaming me. Ever since a few comments I made, the APC has not recovered,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed stressed that citizens should not rely on foreign powers to rescue Nigeria, warning that no country, including the United States, will solve Nigeria’s problems for its people.

“Nobody from any country will come and do for you what you refuse to do for yourself. Americans will not bomb you into development. Nigerians, wake up.”

He also used the interview to critique Nigeria’s political culture, arguing that the nation continually allows leaders driven by personal and group interests to ascend to power. Baba-Ahmed urged citizens to resist electoral manipulation in the next election cycle:

“Do not allow anybody to rig in 2027. They will rig, and you mean nothing to them. The Constitution means nothing, because one individual will say the way he wants it interpreted.”

On education, he highlighted his values as the driving force behind founding Baze University, expressing frustration at what he described as regulatory interference and illegal practices in Nigeria’s higher education system:

“Even if there is an education policy, they are abusing it. This government is breaking its own laws. Universities are being allowed to start in rented buildings, this is illegal. They want to fight me. They want to water down the quality. But I will say the truth, damn the consequences.”

Baba-Ahmed concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s development, emphasizing that his actions and warnings are rooted in a genuine love for the country.