Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has announced that the northern region will take a definitive stance on who to support for the 2027 presidency within the next six months. Baba-Ahmed emphasized that no candidate can win the presidency in 2027 without the backing of the North.
In an interview conducted in Hausa, Baba-Ahmed, alongside former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the nation and urged northern Nigerians to resist divisive and deceptive political figures. He pointed out that the North had become wiser over the years, particularly after enduring the eight-year tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“By the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: nobody can become president of Nigeria without northern support," Baba-Ahmed said.
He also reflected on the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected various groups in the North, including Muslims, Christians, and various ethnic communities. Baba-Ahmed warned that further marginalization of the region could have serious repercussions.
The former adviser condemned identity politics, urging the North to prioritize competence and integrity when choosing a presidential candidate. “We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want the right leader, someone who will solve our problems,” he stressed.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned against any attempts to rig the 2027 election, warning that such actions would not be tolerated by the North, which he said was closely watching the political developments.
