Hakeem Baba-Ahmed resigned as Tinubu’s political advisor in the midst of speculation

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a political advisor for the President of the Soccer Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned from his position, even though the details about his decision are still unclear.

Various sources in the president confirmed that Baba-Ahmed submitted his resignation about two weeks ago, quoting personal reasons. However, it is still uncertain whether the presidency has officially received his resignation.

Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), was appointed as a special advisor about political issues at the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023. Over the past 17 months, he represented the president in various national and international involvement, including the “recently strengthening Nigerian democracy” recently.

However, his term of office is not without controversy. In April 2024, the Minister of State for Defense, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, openly criticized Baba-Ahmed, showing that the person who was appointed north had to do more to defend the Tinubu government.

Matawalle’s statement followed the defense of Baba-Ahmed against NEF after the minister rejected the group politically irrelevant. NEF previously stated that the North had made a mistake by choosing Tinubu in the 2023 election, a position that triggered a sharp division.

Reacting at that time, Baba-Ahmed argued that government officials such as Matawalle had to focus on highlighting their achievements rather than attacking NEF.

“The creator of criticism of NEF by the Junior Defense Minister, Matawalle, is not recommended. He can do better work for this government if he identifies contributions, especially the northern ministers and other appointed people like me to increase security and reduce poverty in the north,” Baba-ahmed wrote.

Matawalle, however, denied, saying, “As a person appointed from this government, is his responsibility to work for his success, protect and defend the government against unfair and fierce attacks from those who hide under ethnicity and other primordial interests to heat up the government for reasons of favers.”

Also read: Lekki Gridlock: Sanwo-Olu does not do anyone by overcoming the difficulty of Lagosians-MR Macaroni

He further stressed, “Every person appointed by the President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the task to the government to promote, explain, and advance his good work and praiseworthy efforts in all sectors.”

Baba-Ahmed political career stretches several decades, with experience in civil and government service. Before joining the Tinubu government, he was a senior official in the North Elder Forum, where he was known for his blunt attitude about problems that affected the north. He also served as Chief of Staff for former President of the Bukola Saraki Senate and held the highest position in Kaduna and Federal Civil Services, including as Secretary of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).

His resignation raises questions about internal dynamics in the presidency and the role of northern political figures in government. When speculation grows about the next step, political observers will watch carefully to see whether Baba-Ahmed returns to active advocacy or take a new political role in the future.

Join the conversation

Opinion

Supports Nigeria’s ripples, resistant Journalism Solutions

A balanced and fearful journalism that is driven by data comes with enormous financial costs.

As a media platform, we ask for leadership accountability and will not trade the right to suppress freedom and freedom of speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and ready to uphold journalism solutions, friendly Nigerian ripples cause.

Your support will help ensure that residents and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for community development.

Donation now