· No zone can be president without others – Nigerians
By Sarah NEGEDU
Nigerians have been reacting to comments made by former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, on Sunday that the North will soon define its political direction ahead of the 2027 general election and go alone if other sections of the country do not tag along.
Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as Special Adviser to President Tinubu, made this statement in a video interview clip that went viral on social media on Sunday, in which he appeared alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
In the interview, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that no politician can win the Nigerian presidency without support from the northern region, stressing that the North would decide its political stance in the next six months, and that the rest of the country could either follow or go its own way.
According to Baba-Ahmed, the North has suffered significantly in the past, particularly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups regardless of religion or ethnicity and emphasised 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 said, lamenting the state of the nation and urging northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the next general elections.
“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” he cautioned.
However, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that the North is watching and that elders, the masses, and interest groups will soon say “enough is enough” to injustice and sidelining. “The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he stressed.
He noted that the North’s decision on its political direction would 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.
“The Northern region’s support is crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he reiterated.
Nigerians react
Following his outburst, some Nigerians have been voicing their opinions. Oyakhire Imiewanlan, a communications expert, stated that, “it is only when it comes to politics the North suddenly becomes one in the eyes of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
“He has not spoken against the killings of other northerners by his Fulani tribe’s men. If there is something this man can do to quicken the separation of the country, several people will welcome it.”
Also, Courage Osagiede based in Sweden noted that, “nobody become president in Nigeria without the south. Enough of this nonsense from these government money merchants from the north. I dislike Tinubu, but I will support him if Peter Obi is not on the ballot. The south must complete her 8 years just like the nepotism father Buhari.”
Olayinka Olanrewaju having his take said, *South South go vote. *South West go vote. *North Central go vote. *South East go vote. *North East go vote.*North West go vote.
“(There is nothing like monolithic NORTHERN VOTES, nor monolithic SOUTHERN VOTES. The Nigeria constitution is very clear on who/how to become Nigeria President: WIN 25% of total votes in 24 states of the Federation, then go for SIMPLE MAJORITY VOTES.”
According to Prudens Tia, “And nobody from the North will become President without the South. No zone can play God over the others. Mind you, I’m a Northerner but Buhari was a disaster for 8 years!”
