Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser to President Tinubu, has ignited political discourse with his declaration that the North will soon chart its political course for the 2027 general elections. This pronouncement carries weight given Baba-Ahmed’s history as a prominent voice advocating for northern interests and the welfare of the masses. Previously, he served as the spokesperson for the Arewa Elders Forum before his brief stint in the Tinubu administration, a position he recently resigned from to return to his advocacy role. His assertion, made during a video interview alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, underscores the North’s perceived political significance in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Baba-Ahmed’s central argument revolves around the North’s electoral power, claiming that no politician can ascend to the presidency without the region’s backing. He emphasized that within the next six months, the North will solidify its political stance, leaving the rest of the nation to either align with their position or pursue alternative paths. This declaration carries a potent message of the North’s intention to assert its political influence and potentially reshape the dynamics of the 2027 elections. He further emphasized that the North has endured considerable hardship, particularly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which indiscriminately impacted various groups regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliations. This shared experience, according to Baba-Ahmed, has fostered a sense of unity and heightened political awareness among northerners.
The crux of Baba-Ahmed’s message is the North’s demand for a government that is acutely sensitive to their unique challenges and capable of implementing effective solutions. He lamented the current state of affairs, urging northerners to resist manipulative and divisive political figures in the lead-up to the next elections. This call for discernment suggests a growing dissatisfaction with the existing political landscape and a desire for more authentic representation. Baba-Ahmed’s critique extends to what he perceives as the marginalization of the North, warning of potential repercussions if this trend continues. He cautioned against electoral manipulation, emphasizing that such actions would be detrimental to Nigeria’s stability.
Underscoring the growing sense of urgency, Baba-Ahmed proclaimed that the North is actively observing the unfolding political events, and that elders, ordinary citizens, and various interest groups are poised to collectively denounce injustice and marginalization. This declaration signals a potential turning point, suggesting that the North is prepared to take decisive action to safeguard its interests and demand equitable treatment. He further stressed the North’s pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the 2027 elections. By reiterating that no politician can secure the presidency without the region’s support, he reinforces the North’s strategic importance in any electoral calculus. This assertion places the North in a position of considerable power, capable of influencing the trajectory of national politics.
Baba-Ahmed’s declaration resonates with broader concerns about regional representation and equitable resource allocation in Nigeria. His arguments highlight the North’s desire for a government that is responsive to their specific needs and addresses the historical challenges they have faced. He calls for a rejection of divisive politics and emphasizes the importance of unity and collective action in achieving the North’s political objectives. By framing the North’s political direction as a critical determinant of the 2027 elections, Baba-Ahmed elevates the region’s political significance and reinforces the message that their concerns cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, Baba-Ahmed’s message serves as a call to action for northerners to actively participate in shaping their political future. He advocates for a more assertive and unified approach, emphasizing the need to hold politicians accountable and demand effective governance. His warnings against electoral manipulation and marginalization underscore the importance of free and fair elections as a cornerstone of democratic stability. By highlighting the North’s electoral power, Baba-Ahmed seeks to empower the region to play a decisive role in determining the next chapter of Nigeria’s political landscape. He is effectively placing the North at the center of the 2027 electoral equation, making their support a critical factor for any aspiring presidential candidate.
