As political strategizing intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has declared that no presidential candidate can emerge victorious without the support of the North.
Speaking in Kaduna during a video interview alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Baba-Ahmed asserted that the North would soon chart its political course—and its decision will be pivotal to the outcome of the next presidential race.
“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,’’ he stated.
He expressed concern over the nation’s current state and urged the northern electorate to reject divisive, manipulative politicians in the run-up to 2027.
“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?” he asked.
Baba-Ahmed also reflected on the region’s hardship during the height of Boko Haram’s terror campaign, which he noted affected all groups—Muslims, Christians, Fulani, and Baju alike—emphasizing the importance of northern unity.
“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 challenged.
He cautioned against sidelining the region, warning that political injustice would no longer be tolerated.
“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 said.
Calling for a shift from identity-based politics, Baba-Ahmed urged the North to prioritize competence and integrity over religious or ethnic sentiment.
“We are tired of being deceived into voting based on religion or ethnicity. That era is over. We just want the right leader, let him fall from heaven, we want someone who will solve our problems.’’
