By Parrot Newspaper Tinubu’s Political Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns
April 4, 2025
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who served as the political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially resigned from his position. The resignation was confirmed by multiple credible sources within the presidency. It is understood that Dr. Baba-Ahmed tendered his resignation approximately two weeks ago, though the specifics behind his decision remain private. He has only mentioned that the move was based on personal grounds.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the presidency has formally accepted his resignation. Baba-Ahmed’s departure marks the end of his brief but impactful tenure in the presidency.
Baba-Ahmed’s Political Journey
Dr. Baba-Ahmed was appointed in September 2023 as Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima. Throughout his time in this capacity, Baba-Ahmed represented the administration at various public events and national fora, including a key national conference in January 2025 that focused on Nigeria’s democracy and governance. His role in these discussions showcased his engagement with the political landscape, but it also attracted its share of controversy.
Public Clash with Minister Matawalle
One of the most notable controversies during Baba-Ahmed’s time in office was his public disagreement with the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. In April 2024, Baba-Ahmed criticized Matawalle’s dismissal of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), a group he had previously served as spokesman. This criticism led to a clash, with Matawalle accusing Baba-Ahmed of being too closely aligned with the NEF, and emphasizing that as a government appointee, Baba-Ahmed had a duty to defend the administration rather than criticize it.
Matawalle’s comments were seen as an effort to quell internal dissent within northern political circles, urging northern appointees to fully support President Tinubu’s government. The exchange raised concerns over the extent to which Baba-Ahmed could remain impartial in his role, given his prior affiliations with the NEF.
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed: A Profile
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s career has been marked by a commitment to public service. Born on September 11, 1955, in Kaduna State, Baba-Ahmed has a strong academic background, having studied at prestigious institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex. He holds a PhD and has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian civil service, rising through the ranks to serve as a Permanent Secretary in various federal ministries. His role as Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and later as Secretary to the Kaduna State Government further solidified his reputation as a reform-minded public servant.
Baba-Ahmed’s leadership within the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also earned him respect and recognition, especially for his advocacy for the northern region’s interests. His contributions to governance earned him the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Looking Ahead
Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s resignation adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape within the presidency, particularly at a time when internal dynamics are under scrutiny. His departure raises questions about the future direction of political advisory roles in the administration and the potential reshuffling of political figures within the presidential office. It remains to be seen whether his resignation will lead to a shift in the Tinubu administration’s political strategy, or if it is simply the result of personal circumstances as Baba-Ahmed suggested.
As the political adviser’s resignation continues to reverberate across Nigerian political circles, it’s clear that Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s time in the spotlight has left an indelible mark on both the northern political elite and the larger political discourse of Nigeria.