Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said he has no regrets about being Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, insisting that the decision was based on the need to promote unity, forgiveness and trust in Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed spoke on Monday while delivering a keynote address at the second edition of the Bala AbdulKadir Mohammed Colloquium, held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi, to commemorate the 68th birthday of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

Reflecting on the 2023 election, Baba-Ahmed said his decision to support Obi was driven by his conviction that fundamental questions about Nigeria’s leadership and democratic future needed to be addressed.

He said, “Up till today, I have no regrets supporting Peter Obi. Fundamental questions were answered. He is a Nigerian, he is in the constitutional line to sit. That is the doctrine. In the same way that Nora stood for the doctrine of necessity because people’s rights were threatened, society’s fate was questioned. I stood for Nigeria in 2023 to need to show forgiveness, and unity, and trust in each other.”

The former vice-presidential candidate said Nigerians must also develop the courage to oppose oppression and injustice, stressing that leaders should not merely be celebrated but encouraged to use their positions to protect the people.

He said, “There is a duty in appreciating leaders. Why you appreciate leaders is not to massage their ego. What is even more important is to educate others to appreciate, understand, see, and imbibe those single qualities. Nigeria is in need of leaders.”

Baba-Ahmed also spoke about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, saying the separation of powers between the executive and legislative arms of government had been weakened, leaving the National Assembly struggling to effectively perform its constitutional role.

He said Nigerians must begin to stand up for themselves and demand a system that genuinely serves the people, rather than one controlled by a few powerful individuals.

“Why can’t the Nigerian people unite? Why can’t the Nigerian people work together? Why can’t the Nigerian people not stand for themselves, stand for themselves, fight for themselves?” he asked.

He further called for an end to what he described as the growing culture of oppression, saying both leaders and citizens had a responsibility to confront injustice.

Baba-Ahmed said, “The point is that we detest oppression. We detest cheating. We hate bullying. We need leaders that will stop it. Because now, oppression is getting into the DNA of Nigeria. Accepting oppression is getting into the DNA of Nigerian people.”

He also urged Nigerians to support leaders who are willing to speak against injustice, saying the country would benefit from public officials who could defend the rights of citizens even when doing so could put their positions at risk.

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has reaffirmed his commitment to the Nigerian national team, insisting that his continued desire to represent the country is driven by his love and passion for football.

Sports247 reports that Iheanacho spoke ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, reflecting on his long association with the national team and his determination to continue answering the call whenever he is invited.

The experienced forward explained that his journey with the national team began at a very young age, progressing through the ranks before eventually establishing himself with the senior Super Eagles.

“I have been in the Super Eagles for a long time, starting for the U12 upwards,” Iheanacho said.

According to the former Manchester City forward, his motivation for representing Nigeria goes beyond personal considerations, with his passion for the game remaining the primary reason he continues to respond to national team invitations.

“I am not coming to the national team because of anything but the love for the game and passion,” he stated.

Iheanacho also described representing the Super Eagles as a dream shared by footballers, noting that he has already lived that dream for many years but remains eager to contribute whenever called upon.

“It is the dream of anyone to play in the Super Eagles, and I have lived that dream for a long time,” he added.

The forward further emphasised his willingness to serve the national team regardless of the circumstances, saying he would accept any invitation as long as it comes from Nigeria.

“If it is 5v5 or any call-up from the nation, I will surely obey as long as I receive a call-up. I’m really happy to be here,” Iheanacho declared.

His comments come as the Super Eagles prepare for their friendly against Russia, with head coach Éric Chelle continuing to assess his available options and build depth within the squad.

Iheanacho also spoke about his experience playing outside Nigeria, insisting that football remains fundamentally the same regardless of the country or league in which a player competes.

“Individual as a player, you have a reason to go to any club you are. For me, football is the same everywhere,” he explained.

The Nigerian international also defended the competitiveness of the Turkish league, where he currently plays, stressing that the division should not be underestimated.

“Some are in Turkey, in the division I play, it is a good league, and it is not easy as people think. My teammates can testify,” he said.

As Nigeria prepares for the Russia friendly, Iheanacho’s experience and commitment could provide an important element within Chelle’s squad.

For the veteran forward, however, the motivation remains simple — the honour of representing Nigeria and the enduring passion that has kept him committed to the Super Eagles throughout his career.