Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu in the Vice President’s Office, has urged Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former presidential candidates of the Labour Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party respectively, to step aside from the 2027 presidential race. Baba-Ahmed argued that both Obi and Kwankwaso, along with President Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, represent an older generation that has had its time and now has little left to offer the country.

In an interview with Trust TV, he expressed that the country needs fresh leadership, as the current political environment is filled with bitterness, power struggles, and a lack of energy to address the nation’s real challenges. He said, “The generation that’s been in power has spent the last few decades just holding on to it without any real vision for progress. These men have already played their part, and the country needs new blood.”

Baba-Ahmed also criticized the notion that a president must serve two terms, questioning why the Constitution forces this outdated standard. He recalled that when they realized President Buhari was failing to deliver on his promises, several groups called for him to not serve a second term—something they feel should be re-evaluated moving forward.

“Politicians should not cling to power just because of tradition or regional demands. If a leader is not performing or has health issues, why should they remain in office?” he added. Baba-Ahmed concluded by stressing that these kinds of rigid political beliefs are contributing to the country’s stagnation and ongoing decline.