Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to end his presidential ambition and take on the role of a statesman and political mentor.
Speaking in an interview with AIT, Baba-Ahmed said Atiku—who served as vice president for eight years and has contested the presidency three times—should focus on nurturing new leadership and helping to rebuild Nigeria’s opposition.
“Atiku is a founding member of the PDP and a major figure in Nigerian politics. But I believe it’s time for him to become a father figure, not a presidential contender,” Baba-Ahmed stated. “He should be a hero of democracy, helping to build an alternative to the APC.”
He encouraged Atiku to support younger, emerging leaders and use his influence to inject new ideas and energy into the opposition landscape.
“He should say to the younger generation: ‘This is your time, and I will stand behind you,’” he said.
Baba-Ahmed extended similar advice to former ministers and governors, including Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, urging them to also step aside and support political renewal.
“El-Rufai, if he can manage his ego, should be part of it. The country needs a shift in leadership approach,” he added.
His remarks reflect a growing sentiment for generational change and a broader restructuring of Nigeria’s political leadership.
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