Former political adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has argued that former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar should not be regarded as leaders of Nigeria’s opposition, describing them instead as politicians pursuing elective office.
Speaking on the state of opposition politics in the country, Baba-Ahmed said both men are focused on their ambitions to become president rather than providing the leadership expected of a vibrant opposition movement.
“Peter Obi and Atiku are office seekers. They want to be president.”
“That does not make them opposition leaders.”
According to him, effective opposition leadership goes beyond contesting elections and requires presenting alternative policies, mobilising citizens and consistently holding the government accountable.
Baba-Ahmed maintained that Nigeria currently lacks a coordinated and purposeful opposition capable of challenging the ruling party on governance issues. He stressed that opposition politics should be centred on ideas, institutions and national development rather than individual aspirations.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of Obi and Atiku to seek public office, he said their presidential ambitions should not automatically confer on them the status of opposition leaders.
He further called for stronger political structures and issue-based engagement, noting that the country’s democratic system would benefit from a more organised opposition capable of offering credible alternatives to government policies.
His comments come amid increasing political consultations and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
