Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has shared his views about the 2027 presidential election.
He said that the northern region will make up its mind within the next six months on who to support in the 2027 election.
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed emphasized that no candidate can win the presidency without northern backing.
He spoke in a Hausa-language interview alongside Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Baba-Ahmed criticized the current state of the nation and called on Northerners to reject politicians who promote division and deception ahead of the upcoming elections.
According to him, the North wants a government that truly understands and addresses its challenges.
“In the next six months, the North will decide where it stands. 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.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them. 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?” Baba-Ahmed asked.
He pointed to the hardship endured by the North during the height of Boko Haram attacks, noting that everyone — Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others — was affected, and that unity was essential during those times.
“Before Buhari became president, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That was a time Northerners had to unite. Today, no politician can just show up and expect Northerners to fall in line. Who are you?” he said.
He also warned against sidelining the North, saying that ignoring the region’s concerns would have serious consequences.
“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.
Baba-Ahmed urged Northerners to move past voting based on ethnicity or religion. He said it’s time to prioritize competence and character.
“We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want a right leader, we just want someone who will solve our problems” he said.
He ended by stressing the importance of fairness and equal treatment, warning that the North’s patience is wearing thin.
The former presidential aide underscored the importance of equity and justice, warning that the patience of the region was wearing thin.
“The North is watching. Elders, youth, and interest groups will soon say enough is enough,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
“The North’s stance will significantly influence the 2027 elections. It’s time politicians started taking us seriously.”
KanyiDaily recalls that the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) recently declared that the time has come to go back to the drawing board in order to save Nigeria.