Baba-Ahmed to Atiku: Don’t Run for Presidency Again, Give Way to Youths

A former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum and ex-political adviser to the President, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside from contesting the 2027 elections. 

Baba-Ahmed, in a recent interview with Channels Television, said it is time for Atiku to support a younger generation of leaders.

Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as Political Adviser in the Office of the Vice President, noted that Atiku has already contested for the presidency six times. “He’s done his bit. He’s been persistent. But now, he should play a fatherly role—help identify and support younger leaders,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He argued that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would have a better chance in 2027 with a younger candidate.

According to him, Nigeria needs leadership with empathy, energy, and new ideas, rather than politicians with long careers and political baggage.

Commenting on political dynamics, Baba-Ahmed warned against regional considerations in selecting national leaders. He said Nigeria needs leaders with competence, integrity, and a clear vision.

He also mentioned other political figures, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 candidate. While noting Obi’s ideas and Atiku’s experience, Baba-Ahmed questioned whether either would have done better than President Bola Tinubu. He said the real solution lies in a generational change.

He urged older politicians to step aside to make way for new leadership. “All these people—the best service they can render to this country is to retire themselves,” he said, adding that voters should also be ready to vote them out if they refuse to step down.

Baba-Ahmed criticized the PDP for, in his view, encouraging Atiku and others to believe they have another chance in 2027. He said such hopes distract from more pressing governance issues.

Atiku, who was the PDP’s candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, has not ruled out running again. But Baba-Ahmed said such ambitions undermine efforts to find capable new leaders. He urged elder politicians like Atiku to act as kingmakers instead of candidates.

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