Northern elder and respected public affairs analyst, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has voiced strong criticism of ongoing coalition talks ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. He warned that the 2027 opposition coalition lack sincerity, fresh ideas, and the national vision needed to build credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr. Baba-Ahmed made his position clear during an interview on Arise News, where he said he was not part of any discussions aimed at forming a new political coalition. According to him, the process lacks transparency and appears driven by personal ambition rather than national interest.
“Let me be fair and say that I’m not involved at all, at any level, in the coalition discussions,” he said. “I’m just an observer who is watching with a lot of worry that an opportunity to create a strong opposition to the ruling party is being messed up by people who insist that they must be the face of that opposition.”
This marks the first time Baba-Ahmed has openly criticized the coalition plan, which involves several former top politicians looking to challenge President Tinubu’s government in 2027.
Also Read: Coalition Has the ‘Engine Room’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Okonkwo
Calls for Fresh Leadership and Clear Vision
Baba-Ahmed warned that the coalition is being led by the same familiar faces—former governors, ministers, and presidential candidates—who, he argued, have already failed Nigerians in the past.
“These are people who have been governors, vice-presidents, ministers—some of them have contested three times for president,” he noted. “Now they are telling Nigerians, ‘trust us again.’ But Nigerians can see through that. They don’t represent a different future.”
He believes the 2027 opposition coalition mirrors the public’s growing frustration with recycled leadership and the absence of credible alternatives. To address this, he advocates for new, competent Nigerians to take the lead while seasoned political figures step aside.
“It’s the wrong approach,” he said. “They meet, agree among themselves, and say, ‘We’ve decided this one will be this, and that one will be that.’ Then they invite Nigerians in. That’s not how to build a credible opposition.”
Baba-Ahmed emphasized the need for younger Nigerians to take leadership roles. He believes current opposition figures should play supportive roles, but not lead the movement.
“What they need is a complete departure from who they are, what they’ve done, and what they still represent,” he insisted. “They can work behind the scenes, but new faces must emerge to give Nigerians real hope.”
Nigerian youths and professionals are increasingly calling for a shift away from the traditional political elite, demanding younger, more responsive leaders with fresh ideas.
Lack of Vision Weakens Coalition’s Credibility
Baba-Ahmed also criticized the coalition’s lack of a clear, people-centered plan. He questioned how the group intends to govern differently if elected, noting that many of its members have not addressed the pressing issues affecting Nigerians.
“Where is the vision? Where are the younger Nigerians who should be leading this country? Where is the concern that violence is destroying our communities?” he asked. “Politics should be about the people, not just about getting rid of President Tinubu.”
His remarks come at a time when many Nigerians, especially the youth, are calling for solutions to economic hardship, insecurity, and social inequality. For Baba-Ahmed, focusing only on removing President Tinubu without offering a better plan is not enough.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed warned that without a serious change in approach, the opposition may once again lose to the APC in the 2027 elections. He said repeating the same methods that have failed in the past will only help the ruling party stay in power.
“What they’re doing is simply handing over the country back to a president they claim they want to defeat,” he said.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s public disapproval of the ongoing coalition talks has sparked widespread conversation online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where Nigerians from various political backgrounds have weighed in. Reactions reflect deep divisions within the opposition, with many supporting Baba-Ahmed’s call for new leadership, while others criticized his stance as unhelpful.
An X(formerly Twitter) user, @ApexHodde, echoed Baba-Ahmed’s frustration with the political elite, writing:
“I agree 100%. El-Rufai, Atiku, Amaechi, and Obi cannot and should not lead the putting together or coordination of the coalition. We need the people (nominated based on character) to decide who they want and not a group of politicians! A very huge difference!!! It’s POssible!”
Another user, @DbPragmatic, criticized the credibility of the coalition’s architects:
“Ahmed Baba dissected the issues very well and I agree with him almost. It is not even a coalition; it is an attempt of strange birds—defeated, battered and expired politicians. The foundation of the coalition is faulty, and the building blocks cannot fit together.”
The demand for a generational shift also featured heavily in online discourse.
“We expect a generational shift to younger technocrats (not younger politicians) with a vision to make Nigeria great, led by Peter Obi—a politician and businessman most Nigerians trust,” wrote @SmartImuere. “We want a safe and just Nigeria where people can live their best lives working legitimately.”
However, not all responses supported Baba-Ahmed’s views. @OkpanachiSulie1 dismissed the criticism entirely, reinforcing faith in Peter Obi’s leadership:
“We are not perturbed at all. Peter Obi is coming. The more they are confused in the Atiku coalition, the more Nigerians increase our love for Peter Obi.”
Others questioned Baba-Ahmed’s right to discredit the coalition. User @salemdavid95 wrote:
“These men keep saying what makes them feel alright. Who is the face of the coalition? When political parties merged to form the APC, who and who were the faces—Buhari, Tinubu, Kwankwaso, Amaechi and co. Clowns like this—disgruntled politicians—feel they should be given the floor.”
