NEWS
“Power in Nigeria Belongs to One Individual“ — Datti Baba-Ahmed declares
The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has raised concerns over the concentration of political power in Nigeria, arguing that the country’s current political system gives enormous influence to the President.
Baba-Ahmed made the remarks while reflecting on the state of democracy and governance in Nigeria, contrasting the current administration with what he believes would have been a different approach under his former presidential running mate, Peter Obi.
According to him, the level of authority wielded by the President has become so significant that decisions made by one individual can have far-reaching consequences for the entire country.
“Right now, the power in Nigeria belongs to one individual. That individual, if he says something, it would happen.
“Only God Almighty can stop it, and this is reality. That’s how powerful our current Nigerian president is. If Peter Obi were president, it wouldn’t have been the same because we would not have ruled Nigeria this way.
Baba-Ahmed further argued that the situation reflects a deeper challenge facing Nigeria’s democracy, particularly the ability and willingness of citizens to defend the provisions of the Constitution.
He maintained that although Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy in which power is theoretically vested in the people, ordinary citizens have not demonstrated sufficient capacity or determination to hold political leaders accountable when constitutional principles are perceived to be threatened.
“The Nigerian people as it were in this democracy, do not have the power or the attitude to protect the Nigerian Constitution”
His comments are likely to reignite debate over the balance of power between the executive and other arms of government, as well as the role of citizens in strengthening democratic institutions.
Baba-Ahmed’s assessment also comes against the backdrop of growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures and political groups increasingly debating the direction of the country, the strength of its institutions and the kind of leadership Nigerians need.
His reference to Peter Obi also places the remarks within the wider political conversation surrounding the former Labour Party presidential candidate, whose supporters continue to advocate for a different model of governance ahead of the next presidential election.
The statement is expected to generate further reactions from political actors, civil society groups and Nigerians concerned about presidential powers, constitutional safeguards and the future of democratic governance in the country.