Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has resigned as the special adviser on political matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima. His exit follows a public rift with Minister Bello Matawalle over the Northern Elders Forum’s criticism of President Tinubu’s administration. The resignation sparks speculation about internal divisions within the ruling government.
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has officially stepped down as the special adviser on political matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, sparking discussions about potential tensions within the administration. Reports indicate that he tendered his resignation two weeks ago, although the reasons remain undisclosed.
Baba-Ahmed, a prominent political figure, previously served as the spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and was appointed to his advisory role by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023. His resignation follows a heated exchange with Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding the NEF’s criticism of the government.
In April, the NEF stated that the North may have erred in supporting Tinubu’s candidacy in 2023. Matawalle responded by dismissing the group as politically irrelevant, prompting Baba-Ahmed to counter that government officials should focus on delivering results rather than attacking critics. The minister then emphasized that all appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, had a duty to defend and promote the government’s agenda.
Although it is unclear whether this dispute directly influenced his resignation, many observers speculate that the growing friction within the administration played a role. Baba-Ahmed, the elder brother of Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed, has yet to make a public statement regarding his decision.
His departure raises questions about internal unity within the Tinubu administration and whether more political shifts are on the horizon.
