Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has declared that the North will soon decide its political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that no presidential candidate can win without the region’s support.
In an interview that went viral on social media on Sunday, April 20, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the growing political awareness in the North and the region’s refusal to back candidates who fail to understand or address its challenges.
Appearing alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the impact of insecurity, particularly the devastation caused by Boko Haram, and stressed that northerners will no longer support leadership that ignores their plight. He said the North is tired of being marginalised and warned of serious consequences if such neglect continues.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” Baba-Ahmed warned, as he urged northerners to reject divisive and deceptive politicians. He also declared that within the next six months, the North would make its political position known, and the rest of the country would have to either align with it or go their own way.
Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as spokesperson for the Arewa Elders Forum before joining the presidency and later resigning, stated his commitment to rejoining the movement for northern emancipation. He stressed the importance of unity among all groups in the region — Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and Mangu — and warned against internal betrayal.
Reflecting on past challenges, including the era of Boko Haram attacks during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaigns, he recalled how both churches and mosques were targeted to destabilise the region. He said the North, having endured hardship under past and present administrations, has become more politically conscious and will demand leadership that genuinely understands its needs.
“The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he said. “The North is watching, and soon, our elders, our masses, and our interest groups will say ‘enough is enough.’” Baba-Ahmed issued a stern warning ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning that any attempt to manipulate the process could have severe consequences. “Conducting a bad election in 2027 may lead to the end of Nigeria, I swear to God,” he said.
He concluded by affirming that northern elders and stakeholders are preparing to take a stand, and the time to act is fast approaching. “There will be a time we will come out and say it’s okay, and it’s soon. This injustice is over. We know who we are.