Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, declared on Sunday that the North will soon determine its political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This announcement is not surprising given Baba-Ahmed’s longstanding advocacy for the North and its people. He previously served as Spokesperson for the Arewa Elders Forum before joining President Tinubu’s administration, a role he recently stepped down from to focus on the North’s interests.
He stressed that no Nigerian politician could win the presidency without northern support and stated that the North would define its political position in the next six months, influencing the direction of the country’s politics.
Baba-Ahmed pointed out that the North has faced severe challenges, particularly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all ethnic and religious groups in the region. He emphasized that northerners have become more politically aware and will no longer support politicians who ignore their issues.
“We want a government that truly understands our problems and can address them,” Baba-Ahmed said, urging northerners to reject politicians who seek to divide or deceive them.
He also warned against further marginalization of the North, cautioning that ignoring the region would have consequences. “If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” he warned.
Baba-Ahmed stressed that the North’s decision on its political direction would have significant consequences for the 2027 elections. “No politician can become president without northern support,” he noted, urging for free and fair elections to ensure the country’s stability and progress.