A prominent northern leader and former chieftain of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon any plans for re-election in 2027. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed argues that the President should instead support a younger and more capable candidate from within his own party to lead the nation.
A Direct Call for Presidential Withdrawal
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who served as the Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Vice-President until his resignation in April, made these pointed remarks during an appearance on Channels Television on the night of Sunday, November 30. He expressed deep concern over the state of the nation under the current administration.
Baba-Ahmed stated that President Tinubu has failed to demonstrate the necessary drive to address Nigeria's pressing challenges, despite his well-known reputation as a master political strategist. He directly addressed the President's famous "emi lokan" (it's my turn) slogan, noting that while the ambition has been achieved, the execution of governance has been lacking.
Critique of Leadership and a Proposed Solution
The former NEF spokesperson painted a picture of a leader whose famed political acumen has not translated into effective governance. "The Tinubu we used to know, the Tinubu with all this brilliant intelligence for scheming, hasn't shown that same hunger to fix things," Baba-Ahmed lamented during the broadcast.
He proposed a clear path forward for the President and his party. "He should find a replacement within his party, a younger person, a healthier person, a more focused person, and make him his candidate," Baba-Ahmed advised. He suggested that Tinubu possesses the political capital to unify forces but is not effectively wielding it to run the country.
A Nation in Crisis Requiring Urgent Action
Baba-Ahmed's criticism extended to the President's handling of national emergencies, using a recent unspecified incident as an example. He expressed disappointment, saying, "I didn't see a president who should respond to an emergency or a challenge in this manner, with the manner and spirit that he should."
He concluded with a grave assessment of the country's condition, asserting that Nigeria has deteriorated so severely that operating under a business-as-usual approach is no longer tenable. His comments underscore a growing sentiment among some political observers regarding the need for a new direction and vigor in leadership to tackle the nation's multifaceted crises.
The interview has sparked significant discussion within political circles, raising questions about internal party dynamics and the shape of the upcoming 2027 presidential contest.
