You Risk Handing Over 2027’ to Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Warns Coalition

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has voiced strong reservations about the viability of the newly emerging opposition coalition seeking to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Arise News’ Good Morning Show on Monday, Baba-Ahmed criticized the coalition’s strategy and composition, warning that it may ultimately play into the hands of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu.

“They are not willing to think outside the box,” Baba-Ahmed stated. “If the same people who have been part of the system are simply rotating positions, then you are effectively handing over 2027 to President Tinubu.”

His remarks came in response to reports that a group of prominent politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and others had submitted registration documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the formation of ADA.

Baba-Ahmed expressed skepticism over the credibility and authenticity of the coalition, questioning whether it genuinely represented the aspirations of Nigerians or simply a recycled elite trying to reclaim power.

“You can’t build a movement for change with the same tired playbook,” he said. “Nigerians want leadership that is not just different in name, but radically different in vision and values.”

While distancing himself from the formation of ADA, Baba-Ahmed noted that he was watching the political developments closely. He also hinted that a meaningful opposition must be built on integrity, inclusion, and clear ideological direction, not merely political convenience.

The criticism highlights growing public concern that the opposition coalition lacks a compelling alternative narrative or the grassroots credibility needed to mount a serious challenge to the APC in 2027. Observers say the coalition appears to be banking on name recognition rather than transformative leadership.

INEC has acknowledged receiving ADA’s registration documents, but it remains unclear whether the party will be officially approved before preparations for the next election cycle begin in earnest.

Baba-Ahmed’s comments have sparked renewed debate over whether Nigeria’s opposition politics can evolve beyond personality-driven alliances to offer genuine, people-centered governance alternatives.