Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum and recent political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized that no Nigerian politician can attain the presidency without northern backing.
Speaking in a widely circulated interview alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, ex-Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the North’s influence in shaping national leadership.
“No one can become Nigeria’s president without northern support,” he asserted, adding that the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections would be made public soon.
“In the next six months, the North will make its position known. We won’t keep it secret,” he said.
He spoke about the North’s prolonged struggles, particularly during the height of insurgency in the region, and called for leadership that genuinely understands and can address the region’s challenges.
“We’ve endured real hardship. We need a government that recognises our suffering and takes it seriously,” he noted.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned against electoral malpractice, warning that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 polls could be dangerous for the nation’s unity.
“If there are plans to rig the election, they should think twice. It won’t end well for the country,” he warned.
He stated that the North has become more politically alert, stressing that the era of accepting false promises is over.
“Northern voters are fully aware. From elders to youth, everyone is alert. We won’t be taken for granted anymore,” he said.
He concluded by urging national leaders to prioritise fairness and justice in political decisions, insisting that the North’s voice will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the next general election.
“The 2027 election will largely be influenced by the North. Politicians must start taking the region seriously,” Baba-Ahmed added.