Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, has made a bold appeal: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not contest for a second term in 2027.
In a recent interview with Sunday Tribune, Baba-Ahmed delved into critical issues surrounding Nigeria’s political structure, ethnic divisions, insecurity, and the future of leadership in the country.
Ethnicity: A Colonial Legacy Still Haunting Nigeria
Speaking at the recently concluded The Patriots summit in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed lamented the deep-rooted ethnic divisions that continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape. He traced this problem back to colonial foundations, noting that the British intentionally structured Nigeria as a country of tribes to sow division and maintain control.
“Our constitutions have always treated Nigeria as a patchwork of ethnic regions, not as a unified nation of equal citizens,” he said. “Political elites have exploited this to gain and retain power, conditioning citizens to view their welfare and opportunities through the lens of ethnicity and geography.”
He emphasized that while Nigeria’s pluralism should be respected, it should not be the primary determinant of access to rights and privileges. Instead, the focus should be on building a country where all citizens enjoy equal, enforceable rights under the constitution, protected by strong institutions.
“Ethnicity remains the most potent tool in the hands of an elite that has captured the Nigerian state,” he warned. “Without it, leaders would have to emerge through merit and genuine democratic choice not manipulation.”
Insecurity and Corruption: A Dangerous Alliance
On the matter of escalating insecurity particularly in Northern Nigeria Baba-Ahmed was frank in his assessment. “Corruption is eating the heart out of our governance structures,” he declared. “You cannot build effective security on a foundation of rot.”
According to him, the security threats afflicting Nigeria—banditry, terrorism, kidnappings—are sustained by a corrupt system that enables them to thrive. In the North, this crisis is worsened by the collapse of traditional institutions and values.
He stressed that leadership with integrity and the honest use of public resources are prerequisites for national security. “You cannot secure a country unless its leaders live with high levels of integrity.”
Dialogue and Hope: A Future Still Possible
Despite the bleak assessment, Baba-Ahmed remains hopeful. Reflecting on the summit, he acknowledged that constructive dialogue among citizens and stakeholders is essential.
“We must keep talking, even to those who do not want to listen. Nigeria will change, in sha Allah, but we must ensure the cost of that change is bearable,” he said. “We do not have the luxury of endless conversation—those who care about future generations must act now.”
Advice to Tinubu: Step Aside in 2027
When asked what advice he would give President Bola Tinubu if granted a one-on-one meeting, Baba-Ahmed responded unequivocally: do not run for re-election.
“I would condole with him over the death of President Buhari,” he said, “but I would also remind him of my earlier advice: he should not seek a second term. Instead, he should focus on using the remainder of his tenure to improve his legacy and help pave the way for a younger, more energetic, and more affected generation of leaders.”
A Call to Action
Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s message is clear: Nigeria must move beyond identity politics and embrace leadership defined by vision, merit, and integrity. The future, he suggests, lies in empowering the youth and dismantling the political structures that feed off division and corruption.
“Let us build a nation of citizens not tribes and we will begin to see true progress,” he concluded.
