2027 Elections: Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Clarifies Rumored Rift Between Tinubu And Shettima

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as the Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Bola Tinubu in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, has spoken publicly about the dynamic between Tinubu and Shettima.

There have been circulating claims that President Tinubu not only marginalized his deputy but might even consider dropping Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At various points, the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed such reports, labeling them as unfounded.

It should be noted that Baba-Ahmed, also known for his role as a former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), resigned from his advisory role to President Tinubu. His resignation sparked allegations from some quarters suggesting that he stepped down due to the belief that Vice President Shettima had lost significance within the presidency.

During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed was asked to clarify the nature of the relationship between Nigeria’s President and Vice President.

In response, he stated:
“I didn’t see that. I find it odd. Between the two of them I think those rumours are cooked to be honest.

“I never really interacted with the President. I never sat down with Tinubu to ask him how he felt about Shettima.

“But I spoke with Shettima. I can tell you only from Shettima’s perspective. I don’t think Shettima feels he’s been sidelined.

“I don’t think he feels Tinubu has any grievance against him. I saw a President and a Vice President who work well. The synergy was there.”