Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has stated that he does not regret his tenure with the President; however, he would decline any future offers to return. Appointed in 2023 to assist Vice President Kashim Shettima, Baba-Ahmed resigned in April, citing a lack of commitment from the Tinubu administration to address Nigeria’s issues. He expressed that he has no regrets about his initial involvement but would not rejoin the government, stating, ‘Given the current trajectory of the Tinubu administration—no.’ He elaborated that he left due to the absence of urgency and dedication to rectify the deteriorating conditions in the country. Baba-Ahmed criticized the government for failing to uphold its mandate to effect change, particularly regarding the escalating poverty and insecurity in the North, which he believes have intensified under Tinubu’s leadership. Although the President sought a personal meeting, Baba-Ahmed declined, indicating he would have shared uncomfortable truths, including advising against a second term in 2027. He suggested that Tinubu should endorse a younger, more dynamic candidate from his party for the presidency in 2027 instead of pursuing re-election himself. Baba-Ahmed lamented that despite his potential contributions as a political advisor, he felt he was unable to fulfill that role effectively, stating, ‘No, I didn’t do any job. I was meant to advise the President on political matters, but I did not engage in any advising.’
Regarding the stance of the Northern region of the country towards Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed stated that the North desires the President to address the issues affecting them. He identified insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and drug-related problems as the key concerns that the Northern populace wishes Tinubu to resolve.
