Nigeria’s political landscape has been assessed by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on political affairs. In an interview with Arise Television, Baba-Ahmed expressed his views on the state of the opposition, specifically the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Baba-Ahmed stated that the PDP is “drifting away” and unlikely to be salvaged. He emphasized that the party’s decline is not solely attributed to external factors, but rather to its internal struggles and inability to adapt to being in opposition. The PDP, which held power for an extended period, has been in a state of free fall, according to Baba-Ahmed.
He noted that other parties, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), can provide credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Baba-Ahmed also criticized the PDP for its role in its own downfall, citing instances where the party has allowed itself to split and lose significant portions of its membership to the opposition. This phenomenon, he observed, is not unique to the current situation, as it also occurred in 2015.
Baba-Ahmed’s comments come as Nigeria prepares for its next general elections, which are scheduled to take place in 2027. The country’s political terrain is expected to be highly contested, with various parties and candidates vying for power. The former special adviser’s assessment of the PDP’s prospects has significant implications for the upcoming elections and the country’s political landscape.
In the context of Nigeria’s political history, the PDP’s decline is noteworthy. The party has undergone significant changes and challenges in recent years, including internal power struggles and defections to other parties. As the country moves towards the 2027 elections, the PDP’s ability to regroup and reestablish itself as a viable opposition force remains to be seen.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks highlight the complexities and challenges inherent in Nigeria’s political system. The forthcoming elections will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as the country navigates its democratic process and the various parties jockey for position. The outcome of the elections will have significant implications for Nigeria’s future, and the role of the PDP and other opposition parties will be crucial in shaping the country’s political trajectory.