By OBSERVERS TIMES
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former political adviser to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has cautioned Nigerians against placing trust in the proposed coalition between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
In a recent post on his Facebook page, Baba-Ahmed, who resigned from his advisory role weeks prior, suggested that the motives behind the coalition were suspect. He argued that the alliance was not rooted in a genuine desire to improve governance or serve the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
“Those championing the coalition are doing so not for the interest of the poor Nigerians nor with genuine interest to improve governance should they gain power. He described them as politicians seeking to regain their lost opportunity to continue leeching the country’s vast resources at the expense of the suffering masses,” Baba-Ahmed stated. He urged Nigerians to view the coalition campaigners with skepticism, asserting that they are not acting out of patriotism or a desire for the public good.
This warning comes amidst Baba-Ahmed’s previous calls for President Tinubu to step aside in 2027, advocating for a younger, more dynamic, and less corrupt candidate. He has publicly expressed concerns about Tinubu’s age and perceived lack of mental and physical agility to effectively lead the nation.
Baba-Ahmed also attributed his resignation from Shettima’s office to the Tinubu administration’s alleged lack of focus and genuine commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
Furthermore, he has advised Atiku Abubakar against contesting the 2027 presidential election, suggesting that the former vice president should instead embrace an elder statesman role and support a younger political figure.
Similarly, Baba-Ahmed advised Peter Obi to forgo his 2027 presidential ambition, advocating for the emergence of a fresh face in Nigeria’s political landscape.
