ABUJA, Nigeria – In a move that adds new dimensions to the ongoing political narrative in Nigeria, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has been appointed as the Special Adviser on Political Issues to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
The announcement on Monday, September 18, 2023, has garnered significant attention, not least because Baba-Ahmed is the elder brother of Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi in the upcoming February 25 election.
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed took to social media on Monday to disclose his new role, posting on his X handle, “It is time to make it public that I have accepted the call to serve as Special Adviser (Political) to the VP.”
The report of Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the elder brother of Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party @NgLabour incoming Vice-President of Nigeria accepting the position of Special advisers on political matters by Tinubu is a sad and unfortunate one. Another significance that the… pic.twitter.com/nkhHaIg7Ky
— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) September 18, 2023
Baba-Ahmed, no stranger to political involvement, emphasized the importance of action over passive criticism in the current political climate. “This is not the time for fence-sitting or criticism when you can be useful in turning the country round,” he said in his post. “I am honored and humbled. Please pray for me & Nigeria.”
Prior to this appointment, Baba-Ahmed served as the chief of staff to Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, from 2017 to 2019. His rich experience and strong connections within the political framework make him an important addition to Shettima’s team.
Political analysts see this appointment as a strategic move, especially considering Baba-Ahmed’s close family ties to the opposition Labour Party. His role as the special adviser could provide Vice-President Shettima with a unique vantage point on the political landscape, given the upcoming presidential election.
“This is a fascinating development,” said Amina Ibrahim, a political science professor at the University of Abuja. “On one hand, Baba-Ahmed’s association with the Northern Elders Forum means he brings a wealth of understanding about the complexities of Nigerian politics, especially in the north. On the other hand, his familial link to the Labour Party could make for some interesting dynamics as the election season heats up.”
The appointment raises questions about how Baba-Ahmed will navigate his professional obligations while maintaining familial loyalties. It also fuels speculations on whether this move could influence the Labour Party’s strategy leading up to the elections.
In any case, Baba-Ahmed’s appointment symbolizes a significant moment in Nigerian politics, presenting a blend of opportunities and challenges that both the ruling party and opposition will need to address in the coming months. With the February elections fast approaching, all eyes will be on how this appointment plays into the broader political chessboard that is Nigeria’s democratic process.
