Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has officially resigned from his position. The resignation, reportedly submitted two weeks ago, was confirmed by sources within the presidency. However, it remains unclear whether the presidency has formally accepted his decision.
Background of the Resignation
Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s resignation comes after a tenure marked by both significant contributions and public controversies. Appointed in September 2023 to serve under Vice President Kashim Shettima’s office, Baba-Ahmed represented the presidency at numerous high-profile events, including the January 2025 national conference on democracy and governance. His role primarily involved providing political advice and promoting the administration’s policies.
While no official reason for his resignation has been disclosed, sources suggest it was made on personal grounds. However, his tenure was not without challenges, as he faced criticism from within the administration and beyond.
Tensions Within the Administration
One of the more publicized controversies during Baba-Ahmed’s tenure involved a clash with Bello Mohammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. In April 2024, Matawalle criticized northern appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, for failing to defend the Tinubu administration amid political backlash. He specifically accused them of not adequately promoting the government’s achievements.
The disagreement escalated when Matawalle dismissed the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), where Baba-Ahmed previously served as spokesman, as a “political paperweight.” In response, Baba-Ahmed advised Matawalle to focus on showcasing his achievements as a minister rather than attacking groups like the NEF. The exchange highlighted underlying tensions within the administration regarding loyalty and public defense of government policies.
Matawalle later issued a statement insisting that all presidential appointees owed a duty to promote and defend the administration’s efforts. “Every appointee of President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the government a duty to promote, elucidate, and advance its good works across all sectors,” Matawalle stated.
Career Highlights
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed is a seasoned public servant with decades of experience in governance and civil service. Born on September 11, 1955, in Kaduna State, he holds a PhD and studied at prestigious institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; the London School of Economics; and the University of Sussex.
Before joining Tinubu’s administration, Baba-Ahmed held several prominent positions:
- Lecturer in higher education.
- Permanent Secretary in Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service.
- Secretary to the Kaduna State Government.
- Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He also served as Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), where he frequently spoke on issues affecting northern Nigeria and national governance. For his contributions to public service, he was awarded the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Public Reactions
The news of Baba-Ahmed’s resignation has sparked mixed reactions across political circles and social media platforms. Supporters commend his integrity and contributions to governance, while critics speculate about potential disagreements within the administration that may have influenced his decision.
A political analyst noted that “Baba-Ahmed’s resignation could be seen as a reflection of deeper issues within the presidency regarding unity and communication among appointees.”
Meanwhile, some northern groups have expressed disappointment over his departure from an administration they hoped would address regional concerns more effectively.
Implications for Tinubu’s Administration
Baba-Ahmed’s exit raises questions about internal cohesion within President Tinubu’s team. His resignation follows other instances of public disagreements among key figures in the administration, highlighting potential challenges in managing diverse political interests.
As Tinubu continues to navigate complex political dynamics in Nigeria, ensuring unity among his appointees will be crucial for maintaining public confidence and advancing his administration’s agenda.
Conclusion
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s resignation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape. While his reasons remain officially undisclosed, his departure underscores ongoing challenges within President Tinubu’s administration. As Nigerians await further details or an official response from the presidency, this event serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in governance at the highest level.
