‘None of these people should lead’, Baba-Ahmed kicks against coalition talks 

A former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has criticised ongoing efforts to form a political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Opposition leaders under the coalition movement have applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The coalition is spearheaded by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governor of Kaduna Nasir el-Rufai.

SPONSOR AD

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed described the moves as disappointing, self-serving, and lacking national vision.

While distancing himself from the discussions, the prominent Northern elder noted that he was not involved at any level of the negotiations.

He expressed concern that the opportunity to build a strong opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is being undermined by entrenched political figures prioritising their personal ambitions over collective progress.

He highlighted deep divisions within the coalition, attributing the dysfunction to a leadership unwilling to relinquish control.

“There are divisions among coalition members. None of these people should lead or be seen in a position that they are determining who should be in that coalition.

“They can work behind the scenes. What they need is a generational shift and a political shift away from who they are, what they have done, and what they want to do.

“Different kinds of Nigerians who can give Nigerians hope, than people who have become vice-president and contested three times, become governors and ministers,” the former special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima said.