Baba-Ahmed criticises 2027 opposition coalition, calls for fresh leadership

By Kunle Sanni –

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and ex-political adviser to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has criticised ongoing efforts by leading opposition figures to form a new political coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Baba-Ahmed said the proposed coalition, which has applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration as the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), risks becoming another platform for recycled politicians pursuing personal ambitions.

The coalition is reportedly being championed by notable opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

Baba-Ahmed said the initiative is already weakened by internal divisions and a lack of fresh leadership. He argued that the credibility of any alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would be compromised if dominated by long-standing political actors.

“There are divisions among coalition members,” he said. “None of these people should be leading or dictating the direction of the coalition. They can work behind the scenes, but we need a generational and political shift.”

He noted that many Nigerians are skeptical about the coalition’s ability to offer a real alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“People don’t believe they represent a different future. They just see them wanting to replace President Tinubu, not change the system,” Baba-Ahmed added.

He called on the opposition bloc to promote new faces, fresh ideas, and younger Nigerians who can energise the electorate and restore public confidence in the democratic process.