I Am Not Doing Again: Tinubu’s Political Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Resigns Amidst Controversy

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned from his position, according to reliable sources within the presidency.
The former Northern Elders Forum (NEF) spokesperson reportedly tendered his resignation approximately two weeks ago, citing “personal grounds” for his decision. However, it remains unclear whether President Tinubu has formally accepted the resignation.
Baba-Ahmed’s departure comes after 17 months in office, during which he frequently represented the presidency at public events. His tenure was marked by a notable public disagreement with Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
Public Spat with Minister Matawalle
In April 2024, Matawalle criticized Baba-Ahmed for his comments regarding the NEF. This stemmed from Baba-Ahmed’s response to Matawalle’s dismissal of the NEF as a “political paperweight,” after the group criticized Tinubu’s administration.
Baba-Ahmed suggested that Matawalle should have focused on highlighting the achievements of northern appointees, including himself, rather than attacking the NEF.
Matawalle countered, emphasizing that government appointees, particularly those from the North, had a duty to defend and promote the administration. He argued that Baba-Ahmed’s affiliation with the NEF was well-known and that his priority should be supporting the Tinubu government.
“As an appointee of this administration, it is his responsibility to work for its success, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons,” Matawalle stated.
The minister further asserted that appointees should be “unequivocal” in their support of President Tinubu and his efforts.
Resignation Details Remain Sparse
While the presidency sources confirm Baba-Ahmed’s resignation, the full reasons behind his decision remain undisclosed. The timing of his departure, following the public dispute with Matawalle, has fueled speculation about potential underlying tensions within the administration.