Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has disclosed that the northern region will pick its preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election in the next six months.
He said this during his recent interview where appeared alongside a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf.
During the interview conducted in the Hausa language, he said no candidate can become president without northern support.Baba-Ahmed noted the region’s critical influence on national politics.
“If the rest of the country wants to join us, fine. If not, we will go our own way. One thing is clear: nobody can become president of Nigeria without northern support.”
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Furthermore, the former aide expressed concern over the current state of the nation and called on northern citizens to reject divisive and manipulative political tactics ahead of the next general elections.
Reflecting on past administrations, Baba-Ahmed criticised the federal government’s failure to address northern issues effectively.
“After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now, we are in another government, and we are still crying. Is crying all we know how to do?” he asked.
He recalled the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency, which he said affected all segments of the northern population—Muslims, Christians, Fulani, and Baju alike—underscoring the importance of unity in the region.
“Before Buhari became president, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That was a time when Northerners had to unite. Today, no politician can just show up and expect Northerners to fall in line. Who are you?” he queried.
Baba-Ahmed also warned of the dangers of political exclusion and electoral malpractice.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria. The North is watching—elders, masses, and interest groups will soon say ‘enough is enough’. The injustice and sidelining must stop.”
He urged northerners to prioritise competence and integrity over ethnic or religious sentiments.
“We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want the right leader—someone who will solve our problems.”
