Tinubu’s Political Adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns Amid Rising Tensions
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a well-known political figure and former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has stepped down from his position as Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu. His resignation reportedly took place about two weeks ago and was recently confirmed by insiders within the presidency.
Baba-Ahmed, who joined the administration in September 2023 under the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated that his decision to resign was based solely on personal grounds. However, no detailed explanation was provided about the nature of those personal reasons. As of now, it remains unclear whether the presidency has formally accepted his resignation or what his next steps might be.
His time in office was marked by several controversial moments and open criticism, especially from within the political circles of the North. One of the most notable clashes involved the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who had publicly implied that northern political appointees should not stay silent amid what he called intimidation or misinformation against the Tinubu-led administration.
This tension was sparked by Baba-Ahmed’s open criticism of Matawalle’s attack on the Northern Elders Forum, after the minister dismissed the NEF as a “political paperweight.” Baba-Ahmed, being a former spokesman of the group, responded strongly to this dismissal, which seemed to ignite an ongoing political disagreement. The NEF had previously expressed disappointment in the region’s choice to support Tinubu in the 2023 presidential elections, calling it a mistake—a statement that drew criticism from the presidency and its loyalists.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s resignation has stirred speculation about deeper issues within the administration, particularly surrounding the unity and representation of northern voices in the government. While he maintained a respectful tone in his resignation, analysts suggest that the surrounding political pressures and repeated criticism may have played a role in his decision to step down.
His departure also raises broader questions about the current political environment in Nigeria, where even seasoned political voices are increasingly caught in power struggles, ideological differences, and regional divides. Baba-Ahmed has long been known for his critical views and strong defense of Northern interests, and his exit may leave a gap in balancing regional dialogue within the Tinubu administration.
The political implications of his resignation remain to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing tension between different factions within the government and the challenges faced by political aides navigating a highly polarized landscape. As Nigerians watch closely, attention now turns to how the presidency will respond to this resignation and whether it will trigger further shifts among its northern political allies.
