Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns from Tinubu’s Government, Cites Governance Failures and Insecurity
ABUJA, Nigeria – May 1, 2025
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has publicly ruled out returning to the administration, criticizing its handling of Nigeria’s security crisis, economic hardship, and governance deficiencies. Baba-Ahmed, who resigned in April 2025 after 17 months in office, elaborated on his decision during a candid interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stating the government lacked the “fire and commitment” needed to address systemic challenges.
Key Reasons for Resignation
- Ineffective Advisory Role:
- Baba-Ahmed claimed his position was sidelined: “I didn’t do any advising. I was supposed to be an adviser, but I didn’t do any job”.
- He argued that the administration prioritized political survival over meaningful reforms.
- Security Crisis:
- Noted worsening insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria: “More blood is shed now than two years ago”.
- Criticized the government’s inability to curb kidnappings, banditry, and communal violence.
- Economic Hardship:
- Highlighted rising poverty and unemployment, stating Nigerians are “worse off” under Tinubu’s policies.
- Accused the government of lacking “quality, competent hands” to implement reforms.
Tinubu-Shettima Relationship
Baba-Ahmed dismissed rumors of a rift between President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima:
- “Synergy Exists”: “I saw a President and Vice President who work well. The synergy was there”.
- No Marginalization: Shettima did not feel sidelined, and Tinubu harbored no grievances against him.
2027 Election: Call for New Leadership
Baba-Ahmed urged Tinubu to step aside in 2027 and support a “younger, healthier, and more focused” candidate:
- Legacy Concerns: “Tinubu should spend his remaining years improving governance, not chasing re-election”.
- Youth Advocacy: Proposed a leader who understands Nigerians’ struggles and can address systemic failures.
Controversies and Reactions
- Political Loyalty:
- Rejected comparisons to politicians who switch parties for personal gain: “I would be no better than them”.
- Public Backlash:
- Critics accused him of opportunism, while supporters praised his principled stance.
- Ministerial Clash:
- Resignation followed criticism from Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, who dismissed the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as a “political paperweight”.
Background and Appointment
- Role: Appointed in September 2023 as Special Adviser to Vice President Shettima.
- Tenure: Resigned in April 2025 after 17 months, citing personal reasons initially.
- Recent Engagements: Represented the presidency at a national conference on democracy and governance in January 2025
