Former Northern Elders Forum spokesperson Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon any idea of seeking a second term in 2027 and instead support a younger, stronger and more energetic candidate from within the ruling party.
He made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he reflected on his time in government and his concerns about the direction of the country.
Baba-Ahmed, who resigned as special adviser on political affairs to the vice president in April, said the president has not displayed the urgency needed to tackle the nation’s problems. He noted that despite the president’s long reputation as a strategist, the administration has fallen short in areas that demand firm leadership.
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He explained that he had voiced this view privately after leaving office and felt compelled to restate it. He said the president had achieved his ambition to lead the country and should now hand the future of the party to someone younger, healthier and more single-minded.
According to him, the president has the political strength to rally support and unify his party, yet he has not demonstrated the level of engagement required to steer Nigeria out of its present difficulties. He cited recent national challenges and said the government’s response lacked the depth and spirit expected during a moment of crisis.
Baba-Ahmed argued that Nigeria’s situation has grown so serious that the country can no longer operate as though conditions are ordinary. He urged a rethinking of leadership choices ahead of the next election cycle, saying the nation needs a fresh start.
