By Rafiyat Sadiq, Ubong Usoro
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser to the President, has expressed grave concern over what he describes as serious internal divisions within Nigeria’s emerging opposition coalition, warning that the effort to form a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is faltering even before takeoff.
In a recent interview, Baba-Ahmed criticized the credibility of the political actors behind the newly proposed party and questioned the sincerity of their intentions. “These are people who have been vice presidents, ministers, governors – and now they’re saying, ‘trust us again’. Nigerians can see through that. This is not the way to build a credible opposition,” he stated.
INEC Registration Doubts and Leadership Concerns
Reacting to the recent move by opposition leaders to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a political party ahead of the 2027 general elections, Baba-Ahmed cautioned that the registration process is more complicated than the public perceives.
“INEC hasn’t registered any party for a long time,” he noted. “So if they suddenly prioritize one application just because it has big names attached, that will be problematic.”
The application, submitted by a coalition that includes former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Dr. Umar Ardo, seeks recognition for ADA as a new political platform. However, Baba-Ahmed questioned the legitimacy of such a platform when the same old political faces are at its helm.
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“As soon as people join the new party, they’re met with the same old faces and political players. The entire idea of creating a neutral platform collapses,” he remarked.
Generational Shift Needed, Not Propaganda – Baba-Ahmed
Baba-Ahmed also reacted to recent remarks by Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who dismissed the opposition coalition as “fake” and a “propaganda outfit.” While clarifying that he is not directly involved in the formation of ADA, Baba-Ahmed said he is watching the process with concern.
“The most important thing they’re doing wrong is putting themselves forward,” he explained. “They should be working behind the scenes. It’s time for a generational shift.”
‘I was idle throughout my time at the presidency’
Reflecting on his decision to resign from his post in the presidency, Baba-Ahmed said he had intended to contribute meaningfully to governance but was left idle throughout his time in office.
“I went in there to work, to help the country through the administration, because I believed they saw something useful in what I had to do. But I didn’t get a chance to do it. I just got tired of sitting on my hands,” he said.
Outlook Uncertain for Opposition Unity
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the hope for a strong and united opposition remains clouded by internal disputes, mistrust, and leadership fatigue. Whether the ADA can rise above its foundational struggles to become a credible challenger to the APC remains to be seen.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
