Former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum and ex-presidential adviser, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has issued a scathing critique of the newly proposed opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Speaking during a live interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, Baba-Ahmed dismissed the coalition—reportedly seeking registration under the name All Democratic Alliance (ADA)—as a recycled assembly of political elites lacking the vision and credibility to inspire meaningful change.
Describing the coalition as “not better than the APC,” Baba-Ahmed warned that the initiative risks becoming a mirror image of the ruling party, rather than a transformative alternative. “These are the same individuals who have held power, contested repeatedly, and failed to deliver. Nigerians are tired of the same old faces,” he stated.
He further cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against hastily approving the registration of the new party, citing concerns over the credibility and intent behind the movement. “INEC must ensure that any new political platform reflects a genuine commitment to democratic renewal, not just a reshuffling of familiar names,” Baba-Ahmed urged.
Calling for a generational and ideological shift, he emphasized the need for younger, visionary Nigerians to take the lead. “This country needs fresh leadership—people who can offer hope, not just power plays,” he added.