Former presidential aide and elder statesman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned that voters in the North West will be the ultimate judges of President Bola Tinubu and political leaders from the region in the 2027 general elections.
Baba-Ahmed, who recently stepped down as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, said the region’s long-standing challenges with violence, insecurity, and poverty will shape how the electorate responds to political endorsements and campaign promises.
Reacting via a post on X, formerly Twitter, Baba-Ahmed condemned recent political moves by North West APC leaders to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, as well as to offer automatic return tickets to serving governors and elected officials.
“APC Govs in NW recently endorsed PBAT, endorsed themselves and every elected office holder and defectors from the region.
“They forgot the people who will judge all politicians against their exposure to violence, death and poverty. It’s almost as if they think people don’t matter,” Baba-Ahmed wrote.
APC leaders rally behind Tinubu
Over the weekend in Kaduna, the North West APC held a meeting where the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, moved a motion backing President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The motion was seconded by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
In a symbolic show of unity, the party also passed a vote of confidence in all North West governors and granted them automatic tickets for re-election in 2027.
APC National Chairman and former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who presided over the meeting, declared that Tinubu remained steadfast in delivering development to the North West and to Nigeria at large.
Baba-Ahmed’s critique reflects northern frustration
Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s remarks have drawn attention across political circles, as they reflect rising concerns among northern citizens who feel sidelined amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
His resignation from the presidency, followed by public criticism of the political elite, is seen by analysts as a signal that northern loyalty to the ruling party cannot be assumed.
Hakeem Baba Ahmed’s warning comes amidst banditry, food insecurity, joblessness and infrastructural decline still affecting many communities in the North West.
