By Sarah Sam Adda
Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from contesting the 2027 presidential election in the interest of Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday on Arise News Television’s The Morning Show, Baba-Ahmed said Atiku’s decision not to run would signal a break from recycled leadership and inspire confidence in a new political culture. He described such a move as a selfless and unconventional choice capable of reshaping opposition politics.
The former Northern Elders Forum spokesman noted that Atiku’s repeated bids have limited opportunities for fresh leadership within the opposition. However, he acknowledged Atiku as the strongest contender within the Allied Democratic Congress (ADC), citing his experience, national reach, political structure, and loyal support base.
Baba-Ahmed also criticised calls to reserve the ADC presidential ticket for a specific individual, describing them as undemocratic.
He maintained that Atiku’s most meaningful legacy would be choosing not to contest in 2027, amid growing debates on the future of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the next general election.
