Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to end his long-standing presidential ambitions and focus on supporting a new generation of leaders.

Speaking in a recent interview on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed—who resigned as Political Adviser to the President in the Office of the Vice President—urged Atiku, who has contested the presidency six times, to take on a more elder statesman-like role.

“If I had the chance, I’d tell Atiku the same thing. He’s done his bit. He’s been persistent. But now, he should play a fatherly role—help identify and support younger leaders,” Baba-Ahmed said.

Baba-Ahmed also believes that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could be competitive in the 2027 presidential election if it fields a younger, visionary candidate. He emphasized that the focus should no longer be on regional origins but on competence and vision.

“The country is hungry for leadership with vision and empathy. If the PDP presents a younger, fresher candidate, they could wipe the floor with the APC,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed, however, expressed doubts over whether Atiku or Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would have done better than the current Tinubu administration. While he acknowledged Obi’s good ideas, he questioned whether Atiku’s experience would have translated to better governance.

“Political veterans need to step aside to let younger, service-oriented leaders emerge,” Baba-Ahmed concluded. “If they don’t, Nigerians should retire them.”

Despite Baba-Ahmed’s advice, Atiku, who has run for president twice under the PDP, has not ruled out another bid in 2027.