Atiku has been contesting since my NYSC days, Datti says

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has renewed his call for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political leadership, saying the country cannot continue recycling the same faces if it hopes to move forward.

Datti made the remarks while reflecting on his long political encounters with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, noting that the former PDP presidential candidate has been seeking the nation’s top office for decades.

Datti calls for generational shift in Nigerian politics

He argued that Nigeria’s leadership crisis is partly driven by the refusal of older political figures to step aside and allow younger, more dynamic leaders to take charge of the country’s affairs.

“When I was doing my NYSC, Baba Atiku was an aspirant, and in 2018 we contested primaries together. In 2023, we contested again. I, as a vice president elsewhere, when his vice president had left him. And for God’s sake, in 2027 again?” he said.

Datti spoke on Friday, where he questioned the sustainability of repeated presidential bids by the same individuals despite Nigeria’s worsening social and economic challenges.

He maintained that the country’s problems require fresh ideas and energy, not recycled ambitions and old political calculations.

“There is need for a new generation of Nigerian leaders, and they do exist. A whole new generation are waiting for a new leader to lead them to a new party,” he said.

Ex-LP vice-presidential candidate urges new leaders to emerge

The Labour Party chieftain also criticised the structure of Nigeria’s political system, describing it as hostile to credible and competent people who genuinely want to serve.

He said many capable Nigerians are discouraged by what he called a treacherous environment dominated by godfathers, heavy financial demands and empty political promises.

Datti stressed that until the system becomes more accessible and fair, the country will continue to lose out on the contributions of its best minds.

He added that Nigeria is not short of talent but is suffering from a leadership bottleneck that prevents new voices from emerging.

The former lawmaker concluded that millions of Nigerians are waiting for honest, selfless leadership that can unite the country and confront its deep-rooted problems.

He said meaningful change would only come when a new generation is allowed to take responsibility for shaping Nigeria’s future.