Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns As Tinubu’s Political Adviser Amid Tensions

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has resigned from his role as political adviser to President Bola Tinubu. Reliable sources within the presidency confirmed the resignation, which was submitted approximately two weeks ago. However, the reasons behind Baba-Ahmed’s departure remain unclear, with the former adviser citing personal grounds for his decision.

It is yet to be confirmed whether the presidency has officially accepted Baba-Ahmed’s resignation. His role in the government, which he assumed as Special Adviser on Political Matters in September 2023, was controversial at times. Notably, the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, had criticized Baba-Ahmed’s political influence, especially after the latter dismissed the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as insignificant in political matters.

Matawalle’s remarks appeared to target Baba-Ahmed, especially after Baba-Ahmed’s public criticism of the minister’s decision to label the NEF as a “political paperweight.” This dispute came in the wake of a statement from NEF, which questioned the North’s support for Tinubu during the 2023 election.

For further context on Nigeria’s political climate, you can check this report on Nigeria’s political shifts from BBC.