2027: North West Will Judge Leaders on Insecurity, Poverty — Baba-Ahmed

Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned that the people of Nigeria’s North West will ultimately judge political leaders based on their track records on insecurity, poverty, and governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Baba-Ahmed issued the warning via a post on his verified X handle, while reacting to the recent endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by North West leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a meeting held over the weekend in Kaduna.

At the gathering, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, moved a motion backing Tinubu’s re-election bid, which was seconded by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who also passed a vote of confidence on the President’s leadership.

APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was present at the event, further announced that all incumbent North West governors would receive automatic tickets to contest in the 2027 elections.

Reacting, Baba-Ahmed expressed concern that the political elite appeared disconnected from the pressing realities facing the people.

“APC Govs in NW recently endorsed PBAT, endorsed themselves and every elected office holder and defectors from the region,” he wrote.
“They forgot the people who will judge all politicians against their exposure to violence, death and poverty. It’s almost as if they think people don’t matter.”

His remarks follow his recent resignation from Tinubu’s cabinet, signaling apparent disenchantment among some northern stakeholders with the current direction of governance.

Baba-Ahmed’s statement underscores growing political tensions within the ruling party, particularly regarding regional representation and the unmet expectations of the electorate in Nigeria’s troubled North West.