Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, announced on Sunday that the northern region of Nigeria will soon make known its political strategy for the 2027 general election.
Baba-Ahmed, known for his strong advocacy for northern interests and the welfare of the masses, has a history of championing these causes.
Before his role as Special Adviser on Political Matters, which he voluntarily resigned few weeks ago, he was a prominent voice in the Arewa Elders Forum.
In a widely shared video interview alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former head of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Baba-Ahmed underscored the pivotal role of the North in Nigerian politics.
He asserted that securing the presidency requires northern backing, and within the next six months, the region will solidify its political position whether the nation aligns with it or charts a different course.
Baba-Ahmed highlighted the North’s past challenges, including the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency, which spared no group regardless of faith or ethnicity.
He noted that these experiences have made northerners more astute, demanding that any politician seeking their votes must genuinely address their concerns.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them,” Baba-Ahmed said, lamenting the state of the nation and urging northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the next general elections.
The former adviser, cautioned that ongoing neglect of the northern region could lead to significant repercussions, emphasizing the need to address the North’s concerns to avoid further alienation. “If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” he cautioned.
He underscored that the northern region is closely observing the current political landscape, with elders, citizens, and advocacy groups nearing a breaking point over ongoing inequities and exclusion. “The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he stressed.
He highlighted that the North’s forthcoming political stance will play a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the 2027 general elections.
“No politician can become president without northern support, making the region’s stance crucial to any aspirant’s success,” he declared.
The northern leader cautioned against electoral manipulation and the exclusion of certain regions, emphasizing that transparent and equitable elections are essential for Nigeria’s stability and advancement.
“The Northern region’s support is crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he reiterated.
