“Coalition Leaders Are Not Better Than APC” – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has criticised Nigeria’s opposition coalition, warning that it is plagued by internal divisions and dominated by recycled political elites who offer no real alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Baba-Ahmed, who served as a special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, expressed his concerns on Arise Television’s *Morning Show* on Monday. He reacted to ongoing efforts by opposition leaders to form a united front under a proposed party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which has already applied for registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, the coalition movement has drawn attention from across the political landscape. However, Baba-Ahmed believes the effort lacks credibility due to what he described as entrenched ambitions and a refusal by senior figures to step aside for new leadership.

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

He argued that the same individuals who have held power for decades should retreat from the spotlight and support a generational and political shift. “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,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed stressed that Nigerians are disillusioned with traditional political figures, particularly those who have repeatedly run for office without delivering real change. He called for new leaders who can inspire hope and offer meaningful alternatives.

“They don’t have faith that you actually represent a different future from this government,” he added. “You just want to replace the government of President Tinubu.”

He concluded by questioning whether the current opposition leaders are truly any better than the APC, warning that without a bold new vision and leadership, the coalition risks mirroring the failures it claims to oppose.