A former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has advised President Bola Tinubu against seeking re-election in 2027, insisting that the country needs fresher energy and more committed leadership to tackle its worsening challenges.
Baba-Ahmed, who resigned as Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice-President in April, stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
He argued that despite President Tinubu’s long-standing reputation for political dexterity, his performance in office has not reflected the urgency required to address Nigeria’s mounting problems.
“I wish President Tinubu would not run again in 2027,” he said. “He has achieved his ambition of becoming president. He said ‘emi lokan,’ and he has had his turn, but I don’t think he has run the country well.”
According to him, the scale of deterioration across sectors demands “renewed energy” and stronger leadership than the President has displayed so far.
“The Tinubu we used to know, with all his brilliant intelligence for scheming, has not shown the hunger needed to fix things,” he added. “He should find a younger, healthier and more focused person within his party and make him the candidate.”
Baba-Ahmed also faulted the President’s response to recent national emergencies, saying he had failed to act with the speed and seriousness expected from a leader at a time of deepening hardship.
He warned that Nigeria could not continue to operate “as if things are normal,” stressing that the country’s situation required urgent and decisive action.
