Former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has stated that both President Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should refrain from contesting the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership in Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on the Politics Today programme on Channels Television. He argued that both leaders have a responsibility to allow Nigerians to choose from a new generation of political figures.

“If I had my way, neither Tinubu nor Atiku would run in 2027. Their decision to step aside would give Nigerians a broader range of options to select the best candidate,” he said.

He further noted that President Tinubu may not have the capacity to continue governing beyond 2027, adding that having completed a four-year term by then, it would be prudent to hand over to a younger, healthier, and governance-focused individual.

On Atiku Abubakar, Baba-Ahmed said the former vice president also owes the country the responsibility of not seeking the presidency again.

“The reason why President Tinubu shouldn’t run is that he has run out of steam. I don’t think he has the capacity to govern this country beyond 2027. He has fulfilled his ambition and served his country. By 2027, it would be the right time for him to step aside and allow a younger, more focused leader to take over.

“And the same applies to Vice President Atiku. They owe the country the responsibility to step down. Nigeria needs fresh blood and a new lease of life,” Baba-Ahmed added.