Hakeem Baba Ahmed Calls for Fresh Direction in Nigerian Politics

Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, a prominent politician and public commentator, has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to offer a new political alternative for Nigerians. In a recent interview on ARISE News, he warned that relying on familiar faces and ideas could jeopardize the party’s credibility as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

Baba Ahmed emphasized the importance of the ADC establishing a distinct identity within Nigeria’s political landscape. He stated that merely positioning itself as an opposition party would not suffice. “ADC should represent a new face in Nigerian politics,” he asserted. He called for the party to articulate a vision that resonates particularly with young voters, who are expected to play a significant role in future elections.

The politician pointed out that the ADC needs to communicate a clear policy direction. “Ask them today what they will do, beyond just simply opposing and hoping that they can unseat President Tinubu. They won’t tell you,” he said. He expressed concern that the party must provide tangible commitments to the electorate: “I know somebody in this party should be saying to Nigerians, if you trust us in 2027, these are the things we will do.”

Building Broad-Based Support

Baba Ahmed also highlighted the necessity for the ADC to broaden its support base beyond a small circle of political elites. He advocated for a substantial recruitment drive, encouraging the inclusion of credible politicians from other parties. “They must embark on massive recruitment of credible politicians, including colleagues that will come from other parties, rallying around the opposition, and designing a future for this country,” he explained.

He cautioned against the use of familiar political figures as representatives of change, noting a growing fatigue among voters regarding recycled leadership. “We don’t want to see the same old politicians coming forward,” he stated. “If you give me power, I’ll be different.”

According to Baba Ahmed, Nigeria’s demographic landscape makes political renewal imperative, with young voters anticipated to dominate future elections. He noted that “60 percent of Nigerians now will be voting. They are young people. They want new people. They want new faces. They want new energies.”

Critique of the Opposition

Beyond his comments on the ADC, Baba Ahmed expressed criticism of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attributing its decline to internal issues and a loss of relevance. “To be honest, I’m sorry to say this because I think this is the loss of national legacy. I think PDP is gone. I can’t see how anybody can fix PDP,” he remarked.

He underscored the necessity for a credible opposition in Nigeria’s democracy, warning that a failure to provide viable alternatives could have dire consequences for the nation. “Nigeria must be fixed,” he asserted. “The failure of this country’s democracy will be a major disaster, not just for democracy, but actually for Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed’s statements reflect a growing sentiment among many Nigerians seeking change and innovation in their political representation ahead of the pivotal elections in 2027.