Politics
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Urges President Not to Seek 2027 Re-election
By Our Correspondent
In a rare and candid open letter, seasoned public servant and political adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to contest the 2027 presidential election, calling instead for the rise of a new generation of Nigerian leaders.
Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, conveyed his reflections and advice in a deeply personal and critical message dated Thursday, April 24, 2025. He expressed regret at not having the opportunity to deliver his message directly to the president, despite serving for 18 months in Tinubu’s administration.
In the letter, Baba-Ahmed thanked the president for the privilege to serve but did not hold back in expressing his concerns about the direction of Tinubu’s government. He criticized the administration’s lack of a clear governance vision, reliance on political loyalists over merit, and the growing sense of isolation and detachment in leadership.
“You inherited a badly damaged economy and a stressed population. Without a clear and sustained vision… your administration was bound to face turbulence,” Baba-Ahmed wrote. He lamented the failure to transform the early momentum of Tinubu’s inauguration into consistent leadership, citing the unpopular fuel subsidy removal as an example of poor strategic planning.
The former adviser decried what he described as Tinubu’s closed style of governance, the perceived ethnic bias in appointments, and the growing alienation across various regions of the country. According to him, a rising sense of dissatisfaction is spreading from the North to the South West, South-South, and South East, weakening the administration’s national standing.
Addressing the looming 2027 election, Baba-Ahmed warned that shifting focus to electoral politics at the expense of governance would be a grave misstep. “Two years is a long time—you can still achieve much,” he told the president, urging him to concentrate on reforms, improving security, reviving the economy, and restoring public trust.
In a bold appeal, Baba-Ahmed called on President Tinubu to resist the temptation of a second-term bid, arguing that stepping aside would cement his legacy and usher in a new era of leadership. “Step aside—not for your opponents, but for a new generation of Nigerians who can carry the nation forward with fresh energy and ideas,” he wrote.
Baba-Ahmed’s letter stands out for its frankness at a time when direct criticism from within the ranks of government is rare. His appeal reflects a broader public sentiment questioning the government’s performance amid escalating economic hardship and security concerns.
The letter concluded with an appeal to President Tinubu’s better instincts: “I offer this advice with sincerity and hope—believing that one leader can change the course of a nation. That leader could be you.”
As political temperatures begin to rise ahead of 2027, Baba-Ahmed’s powerful message is likely to fuel debate about leadership renewal, governance priorities, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
By Our Political Reporter
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it is considering adopting a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
This was disclosed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, during an appearance on One-on-One, a programme on Arise TV on Saturday.
Abdullahi said the party is weighing options between direct primaries and consensus, noting that indirect primaries are no longer applicable following amendments to the Electoral Act.
“We are trying as much as possible to adopt the consensus approach because that is the least costly for us. For us, the best-case scenario is to be able to engineer consensus, and that’s what we are working on,” he said.
He further argued that the cohesion of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is largely tied to its current leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“If you take power out of APC, the party may struggle to remain cohesive. Post-Tinubu, there could be significant internal challenges,” he added.
The ADC spokesperson also claimed that the ruling party is already showing signs of anxiety ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdullahi maintained that in a free and fair election, the APC would face stiff opposition from Nigerians.
“They should ordinarily be confident, given that they are in power. However, there are indications of unease, suggesting that the political landscape ahead of 2027 may be highly competitive,” he said.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the ADC has positioned itself as a major opposition platform through a coalition of prominent politicians. Some notable figures reportedly linked with interest in the party’s presidential ticket include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, among others.
By Our Political Reporter
A former Governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has officially resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), in a move that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
In a press statement dated March 29, 2026, Kwankwaso announced his resignation from the party with immediate effect, bringing an end to his role as the party’s National Leader.
He described the decision as a difficult one, noting the “honour and privilege” he had in serving as the NNPP’s presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections. According to him, his departure was driven by the need for “strategic realignment” in response to the evolving political climate in the country.
“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he stated.
Kwankwaso expressed appreciation to the party leadership, particularly the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, as well as members of the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and party executives at all levels for their support during his time in the NNPP.
He also extended gratitude to supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, acknowledging their loyalty and commitment to the party’s vision over the years.
Despite his exit, Kwankwaso emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among political actors committed to national development, expressing optimism about working together in pursuit of a more prosperous Nigeria.
Political analysts say the resignation may trigger fresh alignments within the opposition bloc, particularly as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.
While Kwankwaso did not disclose his next political destination, his statement strongly suggests an imminent move to another platform, a development expected to generate significant reactions across the country’s political space.
By Our Political Reporter
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Akko Local Government Area chapter in Gombe State, has announced the indefinite suspension of Dr. Babayo Ardo from its membership over alleged acts of misconduct and breach of party regulations.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, followed a unanimous resolution by the Akko LGA Executive Committee after an emergency meeting convened to review a series of complaints and verified reports concerning Dr. Ardo’s activities.
In a formal statement signed by the LGA Chairman, Muhammad Adamu Maina, and Secretary, Sulaiman Salihu, the party leadership accused Dr. Ardo of engaging in actions publicly linked to the ADC without the knowledge, authorization, or consent of the party’s local leadership.
According to the statement, such actions constitute a clear violation of the party’s constitution, particularly provisions relating to discipline, collective responsibility, and respect for constituted authority.
“The conduct of Dr. Babayo Ardo was found to be unconstitutional, misleading to the public, and capable of causing reputational damage to the party,” the statement read. “It is also considered disruptive to the unity and coordinated functioning of the party at the local government level.”
As part of the disciplinary measures, Dr. Ardo has been barred indefinitely from participating in all party meetings and activities, representing the party in any capacity, and using the party’s name, platform, or authority pending further investigations and possible ratification by the state chapter.
The LGA Executive Committee emphasized its commitment to upholding discipline, unity, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution.
Earlier, the Kumo East Ward Executive Committee of the party had formally recommended Dr. Ardo’s suspension, citing similar allegations of misconduct. In a letter dated March 11, 2026, and signed by Ward Chairman Shuaibu Abdullahi and Secretary Magaji Muhammad, the ward leadership accused Dr. Ardo of independently associating his activities with the party without approval.
The ward executives described his actions as unconstitutional, misleading, and capable of undermining party unity and organizational integrity at the grassroots level. They subsequently urged the Akko LGA chapter to take appropriate disciplinary action in line with party guidelines.
Following the LGA’s decision, the matter has now been forwarded to the Gombe State chapter of the ADC for official acknowledgment, ratification, and further directives.
Party officials at both ward and local government levels reiterated their resolve to maintain internal discipline and ensure that all members operate within the framework of the party’s constitution.
As of the time of filing this report, Dr. Babayo Ardo has not publicly responded to the allegations or the decision of the party leadership.
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