Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns as Tinubu’s Political Adviser After 17 Months
Abuja, Nigeria – Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, presidency sources confirmed Thursday. The former Northern Elders Forum (NEF) spokesman stepped down approximately two weeks ago, citing “personal reasons,” though the presidency has yet to formally accept his resignation.
Key Details of Resignation
- Tenure: Served 17 months after September 2023 appointment
- Recent Activity: Represented the presidency at January’s democracy conference in Abuja
- Unresolved Tension: Clashed with Defence Minister Bello Matawalle over NEF criticism of Tinubu’s policies
Behind the Departure
While Baba-Ahmed provided no explicit rationale, his resignation follows:
✔ Public Feud with Matawalle: The defence minister had demanded northern appointees defend Tinubu unconditionally, prompting Baba-Ahmed to retort that showcasing governance achievements would be more productive than “attacking critics.”
✔ Ideological Divide: As NEF’s ex-spokesman, Baba-Ahmed occasionally balanced loyalty to the administration with northern advocacy—a duality that drew scrutiny.
Administration Implications
The exit raises questions about:
- Northern Representation: Baba-Ahmed was a key northern voice in Tinubu’s predominantly southern cabinet.
- Policy Continuity: His role involved mediating political stakeholders ahead of 2027 elections.
- Internal Cohesion: The Matawalle clash exposed fissures in the administration’s northern bloc.
What’s Next?
The presidency must decide whether to:
- Accept the resignation and restructure the VP’s advisory team
- Seek reconciliation given Baba-Ahmed’s influence in northern politics
- Appoint a successor with stronger alignment to Tinubu’s agenda
