Abuja, April 4, 2025– Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has stepped down from his role, marking a significant shift in the administration’s political landscape. The resignation, confirmed by sources within the presidency to *Daily Trust*, comes amid growing tensions and criticism surrounding the Tinubu government’s policies and internal dynamics. Baba-Ahmed, a prominent northern voice and former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), reportedly submitted his resignation letter two weeks ago, though the presidency has yet to formally acknowledge or accept it as of this morning.
The news, which broke late Thursday, April 3, has sparked widespread speculation about the underlying reasons for Baba-Ahmed’s departure. While some sources suggest it was driven by "personal grounds," others point to deeper political friction. Baba-Ahmed’s tenure, which began in September 2023 when he was appointed to serve in the Office of the Vice President, has been marked by both influence and controversy. Known for his outspoken advocacy for northern interests during his time with the NEF, his transition to a key advisory role in Tinubu’s administration—a government rooted in southern political power—raised eyebrows from the outset.
Reports indicate that Baba-Ahmed’s exit may be linked to a fallout with certain factions within the administration. A notable flashpoint occurred in April 2024, when Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, publicly criticized northern appointees for failing to counter the NEF’s claim that the North had erred in supporting Tinubu during the 2023 elections. Matawalle’s remarks, widely interpreted as a jab at Baba-Ahmed, underscored a rift between northern representatives and the broader administration’s agenda. Baba-Ahmed’s defense of the NEF at the time reportedly strained his standing within Tinubu’s inner circle.
Political analysts see the resignation as a potential harbinger of further unrest. “This could be the first domino to fall,” said Aisha Mohammed, a political commentator based in Abuja. “Baba-Ahmed’s departure signals that the coalition Tinubu built to win in 2023—bridging southern and northern interests—might be fraying under the weight of governance challenges.” Nigeria’s economic woes, including soaring inflation and a weakening naira, have fueled public discontent, placing additional pressure on the administration’s unity.
Baba-Ahmed’s return to the public sphere could also reignite his critical voice. Social media posts on X suggest that many believe he felt stifled in his role, with one user noting, “Problem with taking appointments when you’re the critical type is it will tame you. He’ll now have his mouth back.” Others speculate that he may resume his influential position with the NEF, a platform he used to shape northern political discourse before joining Tinubu’s team.
The presidency has remained silent on the matter, with no official statement released as of press time. This delay has only fueled speculation, with some insiders hinting that Tinubu may be weighing the political cost of accepting the resignation. Baba-Ahmed, a recipient of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) honor, carries significant clout in the North, and his exit could embolden critics of the administration ahead of future electoral cycles.
As Nigeria grapples with its complex political and economic landscape, Baba-Ahmed’s resignation underscores the fragility of Tinubu’s broad-based coalition. Whether this move signals a broader exodus of northern allies or a strategic retreat by a seasoned political figure remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on the presidency—and on Baba-Ahmed himself—as the nation awaits his next step.
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