Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has declared that the North will soon take a decision on the candidates to support in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
He assured that the North will soon come out on its political direction ahead of the 2027 polls.
Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as Special Adviser to President Tinubu, spoke in a video interview clip that went viral on social media on Sunday. He appeared alongside Prof Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Baba-Ahmed stressed that no politician can win the Nigerian presidency without support from the northern region, adding that the North would decide its political stance in the next six months.
He further stated that when the North makes its decision on the matter public, the rest of the country would either follow or go their separate ways.
Baba-Ahmed lamented that the North had suffered significantly in the past, particularly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He noted that Northerners have become wiser and more discerning, and that no politician can expect to win their support without understanding and addressing their problems.
“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them,” Baba-Ahmed stated, lamenting the state of the nation and urging Northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former presidential adviser also warned against further marginalisation of the North, warning that continued disregard for the region would have consequences.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” he said.
But Baba-Ahmed stressed that the North is watching, adding that the elders, the masses, and interest groups will soon say “enough is enough” to injustice and sidelining.
“The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he said.
According to Baba-Ahmed, the North’s decision on its political direction will undoubtedly have significant implications for the 2027 general elections.
“No politician can become president without northern support, making the region’s stance crucial to any aspirant’s success,” he declared.
He therefore, warned against electoral rigging and marginalisation, stressing the importance of free and fair elections for the stability and progress of the country.
“The Northern region’s support is crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he stated.
