A former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has urged President Bola Tinubu not to seek re-election in 2027, arguing that the country needs a younger and more energetic leader.
Baba-Ahmed made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, months after resigning as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Vice-President.
He criticised the president’s leadership, saying Tinubu had not demonstrated the urgency or determination required to address Nigeria’s worsening social and economic challenges.
“I’m sorry, but I have to say this again. When I left his administration, I told many people I wished President Tinubu would not run again in 2027,” he said.
“He achieved his ambition to be president ‘emi lokan’ but I don’t think he has run the country well.”
Baba-Ahmed suggested that the president should back a younger, healthier and more focused candidate from within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) instead of pursuing a second term.
He said Tinubu still possesses significant political influence but has not used it effectively to drive reforms or unite political actors.
“The Tinubu we used to know, brilliant and strategic has not shown the hunger to fix things,” he said.
He also criticised the president’s handling of recent national issues, saying his responses lacked the urgency expected of a leader facing multiple crises.
“Nigeria has deteriorated so badly that we cannot continue to run things as if they’re normal,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed’s comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several figures including former minister Rotimi Amaechi, already positioning themselves for potential presidential bids.