Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Vice President, has reportedly resigned from his position. According to a report, Baba-Ahmed submitted his resignation letter approximately two weeks ago. The Presidency has yet to officially confirm or address the matter. Appointed in September 2023, Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, held a prominent role within the Tinubu administration, often representing the Presidency at public events.
The reason for his resignation remains undisclosed. However, his tenure was marked by a notable public dispute with Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. The conflict stemmed from Matawalle’s dismissal of the NEF as a “political paperweight,” following the group’s criticism of the North’s voting choice in the 2023 election.
Baba-Ahmed responded by criticizing Matawalle’s remarks, suggesting he should instead focus on the contributions of northern appointees to security and poverty reduction. Matawalle countered, questioning Baba-Ahmed’s loyalty due to his ties to the NEF and emphasizing his duty to protect the administration.
This disagreement sparked public debate about the allegiances of presidential appointees with strong socio-political affiliations.
Baba-Ahmed, the elder brother of Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has not released any official statement regarding his reported resignation.
