“Tinubu’s Presidency Failing the North”: Ex-Adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Blows Hot Over APC Endorsements
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In a dramatic political fallout that could reshape Nigeria’s 2027 electoral landscape, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Presidential Adviser on Political Matters has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, calling it “insular,” ineffective, and disconnected from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, particularly in the North.
Baba-Ahmed’s resignation in April 2025, after 17 months in office, has since sparked intense debate. In a series of interviews and public statements, he has accused the administration of lacking the political will to address deepening insecurity, poverty, and public disillusionment.
He also criticized the recent endorsement of Tinubu for a second term by North West APC leaders, warning that such political maneuvering ignores the pain and frustration of the region’s people.
“The North Will Judge Harshly”
Reacting to the North West APC’s endorsement of Tinubu and automatic second-term tickets for governors, Baba-Ahmed posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“APC Govs in NW recently endorsed PBAT, endorsed themselves and every elected office holder and defectors from the region. They forgot the people who will judge all politicians against their exposure to violence, death and poverty. It’s almost as if they think people don’t matter.”
He further warned that the North would soon decide its political direction, emphasizing that no politician can win the presidency without the region’s support.
Why He Resigned
In a televised interview with Channels TV, Baba-Ahmed explained that he stepped down because the Tinubu administration lacked the zeal to fix Nigeria. He stated, “I got out because there was no space; I didn’t see that fire, that commitment, zeal to fix the country that has been wrecked. I saw instead a country that is just getting worse.”
He also revealed that he had no meaningful engagement in his advisory role, stating, “No, I didn’t do any job. I was supposed to be an adviser on political matters to the President in the office of the Vice President, but I didn’t do any advising.”
A Call for Generational Change
In an open letter published by TheCable, Baba-Ahmed urged President Tinubu to step aside in 2027 for a new generation of leaders. He wrote, “Step aside — not for your opponents, but for a new generation of Nigerians who can carry the nation forward with fresh energy and ideas.”
He criticized the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as lacking a coherent governance plan and stated that more than half of Tinubu’s cabinet “has no business managing an administration tasked with improving security, livelihoods, or public trust.”
Backlash and Political Fallout
Baba-Ahmed’s resignation and subsequent criticisms have drawn sharp responses. The Kaduna Solidarity Vanguard accused him of resigning due to self-interest and alleged that his departure was a calculated move after realizing that Vice President Shettima had been sidelined.
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also challenged northern appointees to defend President Tinubu or resign, specifically calling out Baba-Ahmed for his criticisms.
What’s Next?
Baba-Ahmed’s departure and outspoken stance have positioned him as a prominent critic of the Tinubu administration, particularly in the North. His calls for generational change and emphasis on addressing the region’s challenges resonate with many Nigerians facing economic hardship and insecurity.
As the 2027 elections approach, Baba-Ahmed’s influence and the North’s political direction will be crucial factors in shaping Nigeria’s future leadership.
