Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed resigns as Tinubu’s Political Adviser

In a surprising political shift, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned from his position.

His departure has fueled speculations about an emerging opposition movement in Northern Nigeria against Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

According to a report by Daily Trust, citing credible sources within the presidency, Baba-Ahmed tendered his resignation two weeks ago. While he did not provide specific reasons, he cited “personal grounds” for his decision. However, as of the time of this report, it remains unclear whether the presidency has formally accepted his resignation.

Baba-Ahmed’s Role in the Presidency and Past Controversies

Appointed in September 2023 under the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Baba-Ahmed played a crucial role in political advisory matters. He represented the presidency at various public engagements, including the national conference on “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy” in January 2025.

His tenure, however, was not without controversy. One of the most notable clashes occurred in April 2024 with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The disagreement arose when Baba-Ahmed defended the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) against Matawalle’s dismissal of the group as politically irrelevant.

Matawalle criticized Baba-Ahmed for not defending the Tinubu administration vigorously, asserting that Northern appointees had a duty to promote the government’s achievements rather than align with critics. Baba-Ahmed countered by arguing that the administration would benefit more from showcasing its successes rather than attacking groups like the NEF.

Who is Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed?

Born on September 11, 1955, Baba-Ahmed hails from Kaduna State and has had an extensive career in public service. A retired senior civil servant, he previously served as Chief of Staff to former Senate President Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and held key positions, including Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service and Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex, Baba-Ahmed holds a PhD and has been a vocal advocate for Northern interests.

Before joining the Tinubu administration, he was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the NEF, where he openly criticized policies perceived as unfavorable to the North.