2027: “North will decide Nigeria’s next president” – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that no candidate can win the Nigerian presidency without the support of the North.
In a viral video interview shared on Sunday, Baba-Ahmed, who appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), emphasized the growing political awareness in the region.
“In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“One thing is clear, nobody can become President of Nigeria without northern support.”
The former adviser lamented the current state of the nation, urging northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians as the country heads toward the next general election.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now, we are in another government, and we are still crying. Is crying all we know how to do?” Baba-Ahmed questioned.
He also highlighted the challenges the North has faced, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, which has affected various communities, including Muslims, Christians, Fulani, and Baju.
He stressed the importance of unity in overcoming these crises.
“Before Buhari became President, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That was a time northerners had to unite. Today, no politician can just show up and expect northerners to fall in line. Who are you?” Baba-Ahmed said.
He also said that the North will no longer support candidates who fail to address its unique challenges.
He warned that if political leaders attempt to deceive or divide the North, they should expect serious consequences.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” Baba-Ahmed cautioned.
Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as spokesperson for the Arewa Elders Forum before joining the Tinubu administration, recently resigned from his advisory position.
He explained that his decision was motivated by his desire to return to the struggle for northern emancipation.
He revealed that the North’s political direction would be clear within the next six months.
“The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he stated. “The North is watching, and soon, our elders, our masses, and our interest groups will say ‘enough is enough.’”
