Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser in the Office of the Vice President under President Bola Tinubu, has called for the exit of Nigeria’s dominant political figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview with Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed urged former presidential candidates Peter Obi (Labour Party) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (New Nigeria Peoples Party), along with Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu, to step aside and allow younger Nigerians take the reins.
“This particular generation has played itself out. They really have nothing new to offer this country,” he stated.
He expressed disappointment with the repeated cycle of political bitterness, exclusivity, and leadership fatigue, warning that Nigeria’s future remains dim under politicians who have been in power for the last two to three decades.
“So long as it’s one of these guys, the rest won’t step down. I don’t expect all of them to go into a room and say, ‘Let’s step down for Nigeria.’ Their patriotism isn’t that strong,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed argued that the country needs fresh leadership and condemned the culture of clinging to power for two terms regardless of performance. He recalled how groups like the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Ohanaeze, and Afenifere had opposed a second term for President Muhammadu Buhari due to poor governance.
“One of the distracting things is this nonsense that once you’re president, you must serve two terms. Who said that? Buhari was not performing. We rallied and said he shouldn’t get a second term—and we were right,” he said.
He further criticised the current political mentality that power rotation must be fulfilled regardless of a leader’s capacity.
“Even if you can’t perform—what if you have health or age issues—must you remain president just because it’s your region’s turn? This kind of thinking is dragging us backward.”
Baba-Ahmed’s comments reflect rising public frustration over Nigeria’s stagnant political class and the increasing calls for generational change in leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
