A former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum and ex-Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that the North will determine its preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 elections within the next six months.
In a recent interview conducted in Hausa, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that no candidate can emerge as Nigeria’s president in 2027 without the backing of the North.
He appeared in the interview alongside Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, where they both expressed concern over the nation’s state and called on northerners to reject divisive and deceptive politicians.
“In six months, the North will take a clear position. If the rest of the country aligns with us, fine. If not, we’ll proceed on our path. What’s certain is that no one can become president without Northern support,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He stressed the need for a government that understands and can address the North’s challenges.
Reflecting on past experiences, he said, “After eight years of Buhari, we’ve become wiser. Yet, under this current government, we’re still lamenting. Is that all we know how to do—cry?”
He pointed to the toll of the Boko Haram insurgency on all segments of the North—Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others—as evidence of the region’s need for unity.
“Before Buhari came into power, Boko Haram was attacking both churches and mosques, even Abuja and Lagos. That was when Northerners had to come together. Now, politicians can’t just show up and expect our automatic support. Who are you?”
Baba-Ahmed cautioned against the continued marginalization of the North, warning that there would be consequences if it persists.
“If the plan is to rig the election, they should beware—it won’t end well for Nigeria. The North is alert. The elders, the people, and interest groups will soon declare: enough is enough. The injustice must end.”
He urged voters in the North to move beyond religious or ethnic sentiments when choosing leaders, insisting that competence and integrity should take precedence.
“We’re done with being misled into voting based on religion or tribe. That time has passed. We just want the right leader—someone who can solve our problems,” he concluded.