The Department of State Services has invited Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who was the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, after he made comments that officials consider inciting.
According to sources in the agency, the invitation followed worries raised by some of his recent public statements.
One of the officers said Baba-Ahmed went on national television a few days ago and blamed the judiciary and the military for allowing the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. The officer added that Baba-Ahmed also made remarks that were seen as provoking the military. The source said, “His comments carry undertones that can increase tension across the country.”
The officer noted that such remarks are risky, especially with the current political climate in Nigeria. He explained that similar comments had caused instability in some other African countries.
Another source said the invitation was not meant to punish Baba-Ahmed but to prevent possible unrest. The source said, “These sessions are preventive. They help clarify intent and stop statements that could unintentionally cause public tension.” He added that Baba-Ahmed’s claim that efforts to improve national security were a “joke” might weaken trust in security institutions if not properly addressed.
On Thursday, Baba-Ahmed appeared on Arise News and criticised the Federal Government’s plan to recruit more security personnel. He also disagreed with the President’s advice that state governments should review the operation of boarding schools in places with security challenges. Baba-Ahmed argued that such advice could allow bandits to influence national decisions.