Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns as Tinubu’s Political Adviser Amid Criticism

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned from his position. Reliable sources within the presidency disclosed to Daily Trust that Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), submitted his resignation approximately two weeks ago. However, as of now, there has been no formal acceptance from the presidency.

Appointed in September 2023, Baba-Ahmed served in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima. During his tenure, he represented the presidency at various public events, including the national conference titled “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” held in January 2025 in Abuja.

Resignation amid Criticism

Baba-Ahmed’s role within the administration had sparked occasional criticism. One significant incident occurred in April 2024 when the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, accused Baba-Ahmed and other northern appointees of not adequately defending the administration against allegations of misrepresentation.

Matawalle also criticized Baba-Ahmed’s comments regarding the NEF, after Baba-Ahmed dismissed Matawalle’s remarks labeling the forum as politically insignificant. In response, Baba-Ahmed suggested that Matawalle focus on promoting his achievements rather than attacking the NEF. Matawalle, however, asserted that all presidential appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, have a duty to support and uphold the government’s agenda.

Profile of Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Born on September 11, 1955, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed is an experienced public servant from Kaduna State with a robust background in governance. Holding a PhD and having studied at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex, Baba-Ahmed started his career as a lecturer before moving into civil service. He held key positions such as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service and Secretary to the Kaduna State Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His commitment to public service earned him the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Before his appointment as a political adviser to the president, Baba-Ahmed was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum, where he actively voiced his perspectives on issues affecting northern Nigeria and the nation at large.