Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reportedly resigned from his position. The development, which emerged from Abuja on Friday morning, was confirmed by sources cited in a Daily Trust report, although the presidency has yet to officially acknowledge the resignation.
According to sources, Dr. Baba-Ahmed tendered his resignation about two weeks ago but offered no detailed explanation beyond stating it was for personal reasons.
Appointed in September 2023, Baba-Ahmed served in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the administration at several key forums. One of his most recent public appearances was at the national conference on “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy” held in January 2025.
His tenure, however, was not without controversy. In April 2024, he came under fire from Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, following a disagreement linked to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), an influential socio-political group.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesperson for the NEF, criticized Matawalle’s dismissal of the group as irrelevant. The minister, in turn, argued that appointees must actively defend the Tinubu administration and not remain silent in the face of criticisms from northern stakeholders.
Beyond this clash, Baba-Ahmed’s influence and long-standing affiliation with the NEF often positioned him at odds with certain elements within the presidency, particularly on matters perceived to affect the northern region’s interests.
Profile: Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
Born on September 11, 1955, in Kaduna State, Baba-Ahmed is a respected former senior civil servant and retired Permanent Secretary. He served as Chief of Staff to former Senate President Bukola Saraki and was Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He holds a PhD and studied at Ahmadu Bello University, London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex.
Before his presidential appointment, he was widely known for his role in the NEF, where he often advocated for northern priorities in national policy debates.
