Former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum and ex-Presidential Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to bow out of presidential politics and support a new generation of Nigerian leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a forthright interview with Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed stated that Atiku—who has made six unsuccessful bids for the presidency—should now take on a mentoring role, helping to groom younger, more vibrant candidates capable of driving national transformation.
“He’s done his bit for Nigeria. It’s time to step aside. He should now be a kingmaker, not a king,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed called for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political space, warning that the continued dominance of ageing political figures undermines progress. He argued that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would stand a better chance in 2027 if it fields a younger, reform-minded candidate.
“Leadership in the 21st century requires empathy, energy, and innovation—traits often missing among the old political elite,” he said.
He also rejected ethno-regional arguments in political discourse, stressing that competence, character, and vision—not age, region, or legacy—should determine leadership.
In a rare rebuke of the opposition, Baba-Ahmed criticized the PDP for recycling the same figures and failing to invest in emerging political talent. He argued that clinging to veterans like Atiku sends the wrong message to Nigeria’s youth and risks political stagnation.
On whether Atiku or Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 standard-bearer, would have outperformed President Bola Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed deflected. Instead, he said the real issue is Nigeria’s failure to break free from entrenched political circles.
“The best service these men can offer now is to retire. And if they won’t, Nigerians must vote them out,” he declared.
Baba-Ahmed’s call aligns with a growing public sentiment—particularly among younger Nigerians—yearning for a clean break from political déjà vu. Across platforms like The Punch, Arise News, and Premium Times, political commentators have echoed concerns that Nigeria’s democracy is being held back by a lack of generational renewal.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Baba-Ahmed’s comments add urgency to a national debate on succession planning, youth inclusion, and the future of opposition politics.
