Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned from his post, sources within the presidency confirmed to Daily Trust.
His resignation, submitted approximately two weeks ago, was cited as being for personal reasons, though further specifics have not been disclosed.
As of the latest reports, it remains uncertain whether the presidency has officially accepted his resignation.
Baba-Ahmed was appointed as Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023.
Over his 17-month tenure, he represented the presidency at various public events, including a national conference in January 2025, focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
His time in office was not without controversy. In April 2024, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, appeared to direct critical comments at Baba-Ahmed after the latter criticized Matawalle’s dismissal of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF).
Baba-Ahmed suggested that Matawalle could have better served the administration by highlighting the achievements of northern appointees, instead of attacking the NEF.
Matawalle countered, emphasizing that all government appointees, including Baba-Ahmed, had a responsibility to defend and promote the Tinubu administration.
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, born on September 11, 1955, in Kaduna State, has had a long and distinguished career in public service.
He previously served as Chief of Staff to former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and as Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum.
His public service contributions earned him the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) honor.
Baba-Ahmed is also an academic, holding degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Sussex.
Baba-Ahmed’s resignation marks a significant moment in his political journey, which has included a focus on northern Nigeria’s interests and advocacy for governance reforms.
