Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has asserted that no politician can secure the presidency in 2027 without the support of the North. In a video interview in Kaduna over the weekend, Baba-Ahmed, alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), emphasized that the northern region would soon define its political direction ahead of the general elections.
“We are in a time when the north will soon decide where it stands. If others want to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: no one can become president of Nigeria without northern support,” Baba-Ahmed declared.
He also lamented the nation’s current state, urging northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians in the lead-up to the elections. Reflecting on the past, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the struggles of the North during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups in the region, emphasizing the need for unity among the people.
“Before President Buhari, Boko Haram was targeting mosques, churches, and major cities. The North had to come together during that crisis. Now, no politician can simply show up and expect us to follow without understanding our issues,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed warned against the continued marginalization of the North, stressing that such disregard would have consequences. “If there are plans to rig the election, they should be cautious. It won’t be good for Nigeria. The North is watching. Elders, the masses, and interest groups will soon say enough is enough,” he cautioned.
While advocating for unity, Baba-Ahmed urged the North to move beyond identity politics, calling for voters to prioritize competence and integrity over ethnicity or religion. “We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want the right leader—whether he falls from heaven or not. We need someone who will solve our problems,” he concluded.
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