NEWS LEVERAGE

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former presidential adviser and past spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, has said that the North will disclose its plan for 2027 in the next six months just weeks after resigning as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political matters.

He firmly stated that no presidential aspirant can clinch Nigeria’s top seat without strong backing from the North.

In a widely circulated video interview, recorded alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, ex-Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Baba-Ahmed emphasized the North’s decisive electoral strength and hinted at a strategic political direction to be revealed soon.

“Give it six months, and you’ll know where the North stands. We won’t keep our plans a secret,” he declared.

Baba-Ahmed candidly expressed the North’s frustrations, recapping the region’s suffering, especially from insecurity and economic neglect, and demanded a more responsive and inclusive government.

“We’ve endured years of hardship, from insurgency to political sidelining. This time, we want leadership that sees and solves our problems,” he said.

He issued a stern warning against any attempts to manipulate future elections, asserting that the North’s political awareness has surged and that voters are no longer swayed by rhetoric or short-term handouts.

“If anyone thinks they can rig 2027, they’re mistaken. That won’t fly anymore,” he warned.

Baba-Ahmed stressed that equity and justice must underpin Nigeria’s political structure moving forward, cautioning that ignoring the North’s voice could risk national stability.

“Our people are alert, both young and old, traditional and modern voices alike. The days of blind loyalty are over. We are ready to chart a course that serves the North and the nation,” he concluded.