Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned from his position. Reports confirmed the resignation on Friday, April 4, 2025, although the specific reasons behind the decision remain unclear. According to sources within the presidency, Baba-Ahmed submitted his resignation two weeks ago, citing personal grounds. As of the time of this report, it is not yet confirmed whether the presidency has formally accepted his resignation.
Baba-Ahmed, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, was appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023. In his role, he was tasked with representing the presidency in various political matters, and he actively participated in several key public forums, including the national conference on “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity” held in Abuja in January 2025.
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed is no stranger to the political arena in Nigeria. Born in Kaduna State on September 11, 1955, he has built a distinguished career in civil service and politics. Baba-Ahmed studied at reputable institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex in the UK. He holds a PhD and has held several key public service roles over the years. His most notable positions include serving as the Permanent Secretary in various ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and as the Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Before his appointment in the Tinubu administration, Baba-Ahmed was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), where he earned a reputation for speaking out on behalf of Northern Nigeria. His leadership in the NEF was marked by outspoken criticism of policies that he believed marginalized the North, and his frank stance often attracted significant attention across the country.
His transition into the Tinubu administration was seen by many as a continuation of his influence, though his tenure was not without controversy. His resignation has raised eyebrows in political circles, particularly considering his long-standing involvement in the affairs of Northern Nigeria.
Baba-Ahmed’s time in the presidency was not without internal political tensions, especially regarding his relationship with other key figures in the administration. One of the most notable disputes occurred with the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In April 2024, Matawalle publicly criticized Baba-Ahmed and other northern appointees for failing to defend the Tinubu administration. The minister’s remarks came in the wake of Baba-Ahmed’s criticism of Matawalle’s dismissal of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF). The forum had recently issued a statement claiming that the North had made a mistake in voting for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential elections.
Baba-Ahmed, in response to Matawalle, argued that government appointees from the North, including Matawalle, should focus on promoting their achievements and the successes of the administration, rather than attacking the NEF. He believed that the administration would be better served if appointees highlighted the contributions of Northern ministers and other political figures to improving security and addressing the region’s economic challenges.
In contrast, Matawalle defended his position, emphasizing that every appointee in the Tinubu administration had a duty to defend the government against attacks, including those from the NEF. The conflict exposed the differing political priorities and approaches within the administration and within Northern Nigeria’s political landscape. These tensions may have played a role in Baba-Ahmed’s decision to step down.
Baba-Ahmed’s resignation is a noteworthy event in the political landscape of Nigeria. The Northern Elders Forum, which he once represented, has been a vocal critic of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly concerning the perceived underrepresentation of the North in key government positions and the administration’s handling of security and economic issues in the region.
Baba-Ahmed’s resignation also reflects the broader political dynamics within the country as the Tinubu administration seeks to manage internal divisions, particularly in the face of criticisms from various groups and political factions. Northern political elites, including figures like Matawalle, have emphasized the need for unity and solidarity in the face of external criticisms, while Baba-Ahmed, with his deep ties to the NEF, represented a more independent voice that often clashed with the administration’s official stance.
The resignation raises questions about the future of Baba-Ahmed’s political career and his role in the Northern political establishment. As a respected elder statesman, his influence in Northern Nigeria remains strong, and his departure from the Tinubu administration leaves a gap in the political advisory team. It is unclear whether Baba-Ahmed’s resignation will lead to further political shifts in the country or if it marks the end of his direct involvement in the current government.
As of now, it remains uncertain how Baba-Ahmed’s resignation will impact the relationship between the presidency and the Northern political elites. The presidency has yet to issue an official statement confirming the acceptance of Baba-Ahmed’s resignation, and political analysts will be closely watching for any further developments.
In the meantime, Baba-Ahmed’s departure from the administration has raised concerns about the balance of power within the government and whether his resignation will pave the way for other potential changes in the political landscape. As the nation prepares for upcoming political challenges, it will be interesting to see how the president and his advisers address these internal divisions and work to strengthen their political alliances across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
Baba-Ahmed’s career, filled with political achievements and public service, continues to shape the political discourse in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region. His next steps, whether in active politics or in an advisory capacity, will be watched closely as the country navigates the complexities of governance and political power in a rapidly changing landscape.