Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has stated that no candidate can emerge as Nigeria’s president without the support of the North.
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Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Arewa Elders Forum before joining President Tinubu’s team, stepped down from his advisory role to, according to him, rejoin the struggle for northern emancipation.
In a viral interview circulating on social media on Sunday, where he appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, Baba-Ahmed said the North is becoming increasingly politically aware and will no longer back any politician who fails to understand or address its critical challenges.
He explained that the region has suffered immensely from insecurity, including the Boko Haram insurgency and other crises, and is now demanding a government that is genuinely committed to solving its problems.
Baba-Ahmed warned that the continued marginalization of the North could lead to serious consequences. He cautioned politicians against electoral malpractice, noting that any attempt to rig elections would not bode well for the country.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, he revealed that the North’s political stance will be clearly defined within the next six months. He emphasized that the decision will have significant implications for the outcome of the polls.
He also urged northerners to reject leaders who promote division or falsehoods, insisting that the time has come for the region to take a firm stand on its political future.
