Tinubu’s Ex-Adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Exposes Deep Rift in Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai’s 2027 Opposition Coalition

A serious crack has emerged within the camp of Nigeria’s major opposition figures plotting to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed confirming that deep divisions are threatening the viability of the coalition. Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Monday, June 24, Baba-Ahmed revealed that personal ambitions and generational disconnects are undermining efforts to build a united front.

The former aide to President Tinubu and spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum criticized the opposition leaders — Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai and others — for trying to impose themselves as the face of the new movement, ignoring the role that younger Nigerians ought to play in shaping the future. “There are divisions between and among them,” he stated. “They thought they could agree among themselves and present it to Nigerians as a done deal.”

He slammed the coalition talks as elitist and short-sighted, warning that sidelining youth voices would render the movement dead on arrival. “None of these people should be the face of the coalition. They can work behind the scenes, but they must step aside for a new generation of leadership to emerge,” Baba-Ahmed declared.

Sources within the opposition had last week hinted at plans to register a new political platform — the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) — as a merger vehicle for disgruntled political heavyweights and progressive-minded actors. However, Atiku’s camp has since walked back the claim, saying no name has been officially adopted.

As 2027 draws closer, there has been growing pressure from civil society groups and young Nigerians for the opposition to present a more inclusive and youth-driven alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). But Baba-Ahmed expressed disappointment that the current opposition figures appear too caught up in personal ambition to seize this moment.

“This is a critical opportunity to redefine Nigeria’s democratic future, but it’s being wasted by those who refuse to give way,” he warned. “Politics is no longer about them — it’s about the people, especially the young who now demand a voice.”

The revelations have ignited intense debates online, with many Nigerians demanding transparency from the coalition leaders and a clear roadmap for real change beyond recycled elite figures. Political observers say unless the coalition reforms from within, Tinubu’s camp may find itself once again facing a fragmented and ineffective opposition in 2027.