Baba-Ahmed: Atiku Best for ADC Ticket but Should Step Aside in 2027

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to consider stepping aside from the 2027 presidential race, saying it could be his most significant contribution to Nigeria.

Speaking on Arise News’ The Morning Show on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed argued that Atiku’s decision not to run would signal a new political culture, breaking the cycle of recycling familiar faces in national politics. “One of the things Atiku could do is not insist on running again, and that would be a powerful message to Nigerians,” he said.

While noting Atiku as the most qualified candidate among the Allied Democratic Congress (ADC) aspirants, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the former vice president’s experience, nationwide support, party structures, and loyal base, which give him a clear advantage in securing the party’s ticket.

“Within the ADC, it would be very difficult for anyone to win the ticket over Atiku Abubakar,” he said, while also cautioning against demands that the party’s ticket be reserved for a particular individual, describing such calls as undemocratic.

Despite acknowledging Atiku’s strengths, Baba-Ahmed encouraged him to reconsider his presidential ambitions. “The single most important commitment Atiku can make to this country is to decide not to run in 2027. It would be a dramatic, outside-the-box move that shows Nigerians there are leaders willing to break the cycle of recycled politicians,” he said.

His remarks contribute to the growing debate on the direction of the opposition and the push for fresh leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

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