Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has alleged that influential figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be hesitant to hand over political power due to fears that a future administration could reopen past decisions for scrutiny.
Baba-Ahmed made the comments during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, June 7, 2026, while speaking on Nigeria’s political trajectory, governance accountability, and the likelihood of political transition in upcoming elections. He argued that concerns about potential investigations could be shaping the thinking of those currently occupying positions of authority.
According to him, some political actors who have been deeply involved in governing the country may resist any transition that could lead to closer examination of their past actions in office. He suggested that the possibility of a successor demanding answers on previous policy decisions or financial dealings could influence how power is managed and how elections are approached within the political system.
Baba-Ahmed stated that such fears might not be openly expressed, but could still play a significant role in behind-the-scenes political calculations. “The fear that they are going to hand over to somebody who will now come and even ask questions is enough to make them rethink everything,” he said, implying that accountability concerns may be shaping political behaviour at the highest levels.
He further expanded on his argument by suggesting that issues surrounding power retention, succession planning, and accountability could significantly affect the ruling party’s long-term strategy. In his view, political survival instincts and concerns about exposure after leaving office may weigh heavily on decisions regarding future elections and leadership transitions.
In a more provocative remark, he added, “In the next 50 to 60 years if the second coming has not occurred then, power is not likely to go there again. I’m a Muslim,” using the statement to emphasize what he sees as long-term political entrenchment and the difficulty of shifting power structures once they are firmly established.
Baba-Ahmed’s comments were made within the wider context of a discussion about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the overall direction of governance in Nigeria. He stressed that accountability is a fundamental pillar of democracy and maintained that public office holders should always be ready to explain and defend their actions while in power and after leaving office.Please kindly click the Read Original Button at the top to read more of the original content of this article. God bless you.
