Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has urged three prominent Nigerian politicians—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai—not to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Monday during a live appearance on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the need for Nigeria to shift toward a new generation of leadership. He argued that the continued presence of long-standing political figures could hinder the emergence of fresh ideas and energy in the country’s political space.
“With due respect, Atiku Abubakar is a highly respected figure and should be seen as a hero of democracy. But I don’t think he should aspire to lead this country again,” Baba-Ahmed said. “He should be a father figure to younger aspirants and be actively involved in building an alternative to the APC.”
According to him, Atiku—having served as Vice President for eight years and contested the presidency three times—should now take on the role of a mentor rather than a candidate.
He added, “If you have contested for the presidency three times, didn’t win, and are approaching 80, for goodness’ sake, something should tell you it’s time to step back.”
Baba-Ahmed also mentioned that Amaechi and El-Rufai should follow the same path, saying they should help develop new leadership instead of continuing to seek power themselves.
“Amaechi should do the same thing. El-Rufai too, if he can manage his ego. These faces should not be the ones telling Nigerians to give them power again,” he stated.
He stressed that Nigeria needs “younger, more energetic people, not those who have become so accustomed to power that they can’t live outside it.”
Baba-Ahmed concluded by expressing hope that Atiku would eventually step aside and support a credible younger candidate with vision and integrity to challenge the status quo in 2027.
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