By Kolawole Ojebisi
Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has stated that the Northern region is so indispensable that no politician can emerge victorious at the presidential election without its support.
The former presidential aide, therefore, declared that the North will make its stance known in the next six months, and that the rest of the country would either follow or go its own way.
“No politician can become president without northern support, making the region’s stance crucial to any aspirant’s success,” he declared.
Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as Special Adviser to President Tinubu, made this statement in a video interview clip that went viral on social media on Sunday.
He appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The former presidential aide, therefore, warned against electoral rigging and marginalisation, stressing the importance of free and fair elections for the stability and progress of the country.
“The Northern region’s support is crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he reiterated.
This declaration comes as no surprise, given Baba-Ahmed’s background as a vocal advocate for the emancipation of the North and the masses.
Recall that he previously served as Spokesperson for the Arewa Elders Forum before taking up his appointment with President Tinubu, a position he recently relinquished to rejoin the struggle for the North’s rights.
According to Baba-Ahmed, the North has suffered significantly in the past, particularly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He emphasised that northerners have become wiser and more discerning, and that no politician can expect to win their support without understanding and addressing their problems.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them,” Baba-Ahmed said, lamenting the state of the nation and urging northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the next general elections.
The former presidential adviser also warned against further marginalisation of the North, noting that continued disregard for the region would have consequences.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” he cautioned.
However, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that the North is watching and that elders, the masses, and interest groups will soon say “enough is enough” to injustice and sidelining. “The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he stressed.
He noted that the North’s decision on its political direction would undoubtedly have significant implications for the 2027 general elections.
