Former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said that the northern region will soon determine its political direction ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
He made this statement during an interview that was shared widely on social media on Sunday, where he appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Baba-Ahmed noted that no politician hoping to become president can ignore the North. He said the region’s people are now more aware of their rights and will not support any leader who fails to understand and solve their problems.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them,” he said during the interview.
Before joining the current administration, Baba-Ahmed was known for speaking on northern issues and previously served as the Spokesperson of the Arewa Elders Forum. He resigned from his advisory role to return to advocacy for the North, which he has long been involved in.
According to him, the region has suffered deeply from insecurity and neglect, especially during the Boko Haram crisis, which affected all parts of the North, regardless of ethnic or religious background. He added that northerners now see through deceit and will not be fooled by false promises.
He warned that ignoring the needs of the North or attempting to rig the 2027 elections would have serious consequences. “If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed noted that discussions are ongoing among elders, youth groups, and other stakeholders in the region, and that in the coming months, a firm decision will be made.
“The Northern region’s support is crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he said. He stressed that politicians must understand that without northern backing, it is nearly impossible to win the presidency.
He also warned against the continued marginalisation of the North, saying the region has had enough of being sidelined. “The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he stated firmly.
