Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, expressed concern over the state of the country after receiving an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement on Monday, Baba-Ahmed said the invitation was related to his recent comments on national issues, which he insists were made in line with democratic rights. He did not disclose the full details of the DSS inquiry but said he was cooperating with the agency.
“I feel sorry for Nigeria,” he said. “Instead of focusing on real threats to the nation’s stability, we are chasing shadows.”
Baba-Ahmed added that Nigeria’s democracy was being weakened by rising intolerance of dissent and opposition voices. He called on security agencies to remain neutral and act within the law.
The DSS has not issued an official statement on the invitation, but sources say it may be tied to remarks Baba-Ahmed made in the media that were deemed critical of government actions.
Labour Party supporters and civil society groups condemned the development, warning that it could send a chilling message to political opponents and freedom of speech.
