Dr. Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed, a former aide to President Tinubu, warns that Nigeria’s emerging opposition coalition lacks legitimacy and vision. Appearing on Arise’s The Morning Show, Baba‑Ahmed distanced himself from the coalition, describing himself as merely “an observer” deeply worried about internal fractures and self-serving motives .
He criticized key players—including former governors, vice‑presidents, and multiple-time presidential aspirants—for failing to offer a fresh alternative. According to him, they’re asking Nigerians to “trust us again,” but lack the credibility or new direction to warrant that trust .
Elite‑driven decision‑making has sidelined youth and grassroots voices, he argued. Coalition leaders, he said, are crafting leadership roles behind closed doors before involving the public. Baba‑Ahmed insists a genuine opposition requires new faces, not recycled politicians .
He expressed significant concern over the coalition’s future impact: without a clear, people-centered agenda and credible leadership, the movement risks weakening the opposition and unintentionally aiding the ruling APC’s bid for 2027 .
Reflecting on past political alliances, he highlighted that coalitions can work—but only when structured inclusively, with a vision beyond mere power-shifting. He specifically lamented the exclusion of young Nigerians: “Where are the younger Nigerians who should be leading this country?” .
Baba‑Ahmed’s sharp critique serves as a wake‑up call: if the 2027 coalition fails to shift from elite power brokering to credible, inclusive leadership, it may collapse under its own contradictions—and inadvertently clear the path for APC retention of power.
