Ex-presidential aide, Baba-Ahmed says PDP gone beyond repair, tips ADC as possible opposition alternative

The former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is “gone and beyond repair”.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been plagued by internal divisions and has witnessed the defection of several members, including sitting governors, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed suggested that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could emerge as a viable opposition platform to challenge the APC.

“The PDP is drifting away. I think it is gone, and I do not believe anyone can fix it,” he said.

Advertisement

According to him, the PDP is not the only party capable of mounting a credible opposition to the APC, noting that the ADC and other parties also have a role to play.

However, the former special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima stressed that the ADC must present itself as a fresh alternative in Nigerian politics, insisting that the party must offer Nigerians ideas that go beyond existing narratives.

He added that merely identifying as an opposition party is insufficient, saying Nigerians are demanding clear policy direction and concrete governance plans.

Advertisement

“Ask them today what they will do, beyond just simply opposing and hoping that they can unseat President Tinubu; they won’t tell you,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“Somebody in this party should be saying to Nigerians, if you trust us in 2027, these are the things we will do.

“They must embark on massive recruitment of credible politicians, including colleagues that will come from other parties, rallying around the opposition, and designing a future for this country.”

Baba-Ahmed further cautioned the ADC against recycling familiar political figures under the guise of change, warning that voters are increasingly tired of old faces.

Advertisement

“We don’t want to see the same old politicians coming forward. If you give me power, I’ll be different,” he said.

He noted that young people would dominate the electorate, adding, “Sixty percent of Nigerians will be voting now. They are young people. They want new people. They want new faces. They want new energies.”

Baba-Ahmed concluded by warning that Nigeria must be fixed, stressing that a collapse of the country’s democracy would be disastrous—not only for democratic governance but also for the Nigerian people.