The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has rejected former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed’s assessment that none of the major contenders seeking to replace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 has the capacity to improve Nigeria.
Adebayo described Baba-Ahmed’s position as an assessment based largely on his personal experience with politicians he had previously worked with, arguing that it should not be extended to candidates with whom he had no direct political relationship.
He made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s News Night on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, had advised Tinubu to prepare to leave office at the end of his tenure. However, he argued that the President should not hand over power to the politicians currently positioning themselves to succeed him.
According to Baba-Ahmed, none of the major contenders would improve the country because, at different times, they had been associated with the political establishment.
He specifically referenced Obi’s previous membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside the political backgrounds of other opposition figures.
Reacting to the statement, Adebayo said Baba-Ahmed was entitled to his opinion but should distinguish between politicians whose records he knew personally and those he had not worked with.
“Senator Datti is talking from experience, the intimate relationship with people he has dealt with, so limit it to that. He can’t be talking about people like us, whom he has not dealt with,” Adebayo said.
The SDP candidate suggested that Baba-Ahmed’s experience with Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign may have influenced his assessment of other politicians seeking the presidency.
Adebayo also pointed to Baba-Ahmed’s previous involvement in the PDP, noting that his experience within the political establishment could have shaped his perception of the current presidential contenders.
He maintained that Baba-Ahmed should not include him among the candidates he believes lack the capacity to transform Nigeria.
“So you mean to bring him to your studio and ask him if that includes me? I don’t think so,” Adebayo added.
The exchange comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with President Tinubu seeking a second term and several opposition figures positioning themselves to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Baba-Ahmed’s comments have added another dimension to the growing debate over the capacity, records and political credentials of the leading contenders.
Adebayo, however, has used the opportunity to distinguish his political record from those of the politicians Baba-Ahmed referenced, insisting that the assessment should be based on individual records rather than broad generalisations.
The disagreement highlights the increasingly competitive political environment ahead of 2027, as presidential contenders and their supporters seek to convince Nigerians that they possess the competence and vision required to address the country’s challenges.
