Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has triggered nationwide debate after stating that defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election would require Nigerians to “bring out their red eyes.”
The remark, made during a widely circulated video interview, has generated mixed reactions across political circles and social media, with supporters and critics offering sharply different interpretations.
What Datti Ahmed Meant by “Red Eyes”
Speaking during the interview, Baba-Ahmed criticised Nigeria’s heavy reliance on post-election court battles, arguing that experience has shown that presidential victories are rarely overturned through litigation.
According to him, the only effective strategy to defeat an incumbent president is total vigilance before and during elections, not after results have been declared.
The phrase “red eyes,” commonly used in Nigerian parlance, was employed to describe alertness, resilience, preparedness, and refusal to be out-maneuvered at polling units and collation centres.
Court Cases Are Not the Solution — Datti
Baba-Ahmed maintained that opposition parties and citizens must focus on:
Preventing electoral malpractice in real time
Mobilising voters effectively
Protecting votes from polling units to final collation
Remaining politically alert rather than relying on judicial intervention
He suggested that once an election is lost at the polling and collation stages, courtroom challenges often come too late.
Controversy Trails the Statement
The statement immediately sparked controversy.
Supporters argue that Datti Ahmed was calling for civic vigilance and strategic political organisation, not violence.
Critics warn that such language could be misinterpreted, especially in a politically tense environment, and stress the importance of respecting democratic institutions.
Despite the backlash, there is no verified evidence that the former vice-presidential candidate called for violence or unlawful action.
Historical Context and Political Signals
Baba-Ahmed also referenced Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles, including the June 12 movement, as examples where sustained public resistance and vigilance mattered more than court victories.
The comment is being viewed by analysts as an early signal of strategic thinking within opposition circles as political realignments begin ahead of 2027.
Conclusion
Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed’s remarks have reignited discussions about how elections are won and lost in Nigeria. While some see his comments as realistic and strategic, others fear the rhetoric could deepen political tensions.
As the countdown to 2027 continues, the debate highlights a critical question: Can Nigeria strengthen electoral credibility without sidelining democratic institutions?
