Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is “gone and beyond repair.”
Speaking on Thursday during a programme on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed said the opposition party has failed to recover from internal crises following the 2023 general elections.
Since then, the PDP has lost several key members, including serving governors, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Baba-Ahmed, these defections have weakened the party beyond redemption.
“I think the PDP is drifting away,” he said. “In my view, it is gone, and I do not believe anyone can fix it.”
ADC Tipped as Alternative Opposition Platform
However, Baba-Ahmed said the PDP is not the only party capable of challenging the APC. Instead, he pointed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a possible alternative opposition platform.
According to him, Nigerians are eager for credible choices. Therefore, opposition parties must go beyond mere criticism of the ruling government.
“The PDP is not the only option,” he said. “There is the ADC and others that can offer Nigerians a credible alternative.”
Baba-Ahmed Sets Conditions for ADC
Despite backing the ADC, Baba-Ahmed warned that the party must present a new political vision. He stressed that Nigerians want fresh ideas, not recycled rhetoric.
He added that branding alone would not win elections. Instead, voters expect clear policies and defined governance priorities.
“Ask them what they will do beyond opposing President Tinubu,” he said. “If you trust us in 2027, these are the things we will do—somebody must say that clearly.”
Call for New Faces, Not Recycled Politicians
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned the ADC against repackaging familiar political figures as symbols of change. According to him, voters have grown tired of recycled leadership.
“We don’t want to see the same old politicians,” he said. “Sixty percent of Nigerians voting are young people. They want new faces, new energy, and new ideas.”
He urged opposition parties to embark on massive recruitment of credible politicians. Moreover, he said they must design a clear future plan that resonates with young voters.
Warning on Nigeria’s Democracy
Baba-Ahmed concluded by warning that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile. Therefore, he said the collapse of democratic governance would be disastrous for the country.
According to him, fixing Nigeria requires serious leadership choices and a credible opposition capable of earning public trust.
