The former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has urged former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party Atiku Abubakar, not to contest in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on a live television programme on Thursday night, Baba-Ahmed advised Atiku to step aside to pave the way for a new generation of Nigerians who can carry the nation forward with fresh energy and ideas.
He added that Atiku’s generation has done its bit in nation-building, pointing out that it would be a masterstroke if the former vice president and PDP yielded to new voices and new leadership.
The former spokesperson of the Arewa Consultative Forum maintained that such move by Atiku could help catalyse a peaceful, historic transformation and inspire a new political culture rooted in merit, unity, and progress within the party
Baba-Ahmed then advised Atiku to embrace a more elder statesman-like role, like former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
“If I had the chance, I’d tell Atiku the same thing. He’s done his bit. He’s been persistent. But now, he should play a fatherly role—help identify and support younger leaders,” he said.
Speaking on PDP’s chances in the 2027 Presidential election, Baba-Ahmed noted that the embattled political party could punch above its weight and give the ruling All Progressive Congress a good run for its money if it fields a younger, visionary candidate.