Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on political matters, has delivered a damning critique of the current administration, asserting that it has failed to meet public expectations and has done little to enhance the quality of life for ordinary Nigerians. Baba-Ahmed, who resigned from the Tinubu cabinet a few months ago, voiced his concerns during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm on Tuesday.
In his assessment, Baba-Ahmed lamented that many Nigerians had hoped the Tinubu presidency would signify a substantial improvement over the inefficiencies and hardships that characterized the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari. However, he stated that this hope has been largely unfulfilled. “Clearly, the Tinubu administration has failed expectations that it was going to radically improve the quality of governance,” he remarked.
One of the most contentious policies of the current administration has been the removal of the petrol subsidy, which Baba-Ahmed criticized for not yielding the anticipated benefits. “The removal of the fuel subsidy was supposed to free up resources for development. But what we see is waste, abuse, and a failure to invest in things that actually improve the lives of Nigerians,” he stated.
While he acknowledged that reversing the subsidy removal is unrealistic at this stage, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the necessity for President Tinubu to ensure that the funds generated from this policy are not squandered, particularly at the state and local government levels. “It is not just about removing subsidies; it is about what you do with the savings. Unfortunately, we see so much waste, so much abuse of resources, and corruption going on—especially at the state and local government levels,” he lamented.
Baba-Ahmed called on President Tinubu to take decisive action to tackle the persistent issues of poor governance and lack of accountability across all tiers of government. He highlighted the importance of holding state governors accountable, particularly those affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “The president needs to show leadership. He must demand accountability from governors, particularly those from his own party. There has to be a visible effort to confront corruption, insecurity, and poverty head-on,” he urged.
The former adviser stressed the critical need for prioritizing infrastructure development, social programs, and the protection of public funds. He pointed out that while public officials continue to enrich themselves, ordinary citizens are left to suffer the consequences. “There’s a widening gap between the government and the people. What we need is leadership that is people-focused and committed to using public resources for the public good,” he asserted.
In a broader critique, Baba-Ahmed expressed profound disappointment in Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He argued that successive administrations have consistently failed to deliver good governance. “Nigeria is a tragedy. Even though we have a democratic system, the key element has been missing—that element is the idea that people elect leaders to serve, protect their resources, and use them to build a country that is in the interest of its citizens,” he concluded.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks come at a pivotal time as the Tinubu administration faces mounting criticism over its handling of the economy and governance issues. His call for accountability and reform resonates with many Nigerians who are eager for substantive change and leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the populace.
