Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has critiqued President Bola Tinubu's administration, asserting that Nigeria's economic condition has worsened compared to the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Baba-Ahmed expressed these views during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, elaborating on his reasons for advising President Tinubu against seeking re-election in 2027 and explaining his resignation after 17 months in office.

Baba-Ahmed attributed the rising inflation rates to key economic decisions made under Tinubu's leadership, specifically the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira. He noted that when Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, the inflation rate stood at 22.41%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). However, by November 2024, it had surged to 34.6%. Baba-Ahmed questioned the accuracy of the government's data, suggesting that the realities on the ground, particularly in states like Kastina, Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, and Benue, reflect increased bloodshed and violence, contrary to the administration's statistics.

Reflecting on his initial impressions of Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed recalled seeing promise in his leadership abilities, drawing from Tinubu's political history in Lagos. He acknowledged Tinubu’s role in supporting Atiku Abubakar and Nuhu Ribadu, and his instrumental contribution to Muhammadu Buhari's ascent to the presidency. Baba-Ahmed stated that Tinubu’s support was a “deciding factor” in Buhari’s victory in 2015. However, he expressed disappointment, stating that he no longer sees the same “fire” or “calculation” in Tinubu’s approach.

Describing his role in the Tinubu administration, Baba-Ahmed explained that he was appointed as an adviser on political matters in the office of the vice president, facilitated by Vice President Shettima. Dissatisfied with his limited role, he resigned after a year and a half, noting that he never had the opportunity to meet with the president or the other political adviser. He stated that had he met the president, he would have directly advised him against seeking re-election.

Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his decision to join the administration was driven by a sense of duty, viewing it as a patriotic act to assist Tinubu's government in addressing the challenges inherited from Buhari's administration. However, he criticized Buhari's leadership, stating that Buhari seemed more interested in attaining the presidency than in governing effectively. He advocated for a generational shift in leadership, urging Tinubu to focus on fixing Nigeria's problems over the next two years and then pass the torch to someone younger, more energetic, and more committed to the country’s future. He dismissed the importance of the next leader’s region or ethnicity, emphasizing competence and dedication.

Concluding his remarks, Baba-Ahmed affirmed that he would not return to support Tinubu's re-election bid. He expressed regret for supporting Buhari in 2015, explaining that the support was based on the belief that Buhari was a better option than Jonathan at the time, particularly in terms of tackling corruption. However, he lamented Buhari’s lack of governance and concern for the country’s priorities. While not regretting his brief stint under Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed stated that he left because he did not see the necessary commitment and zeal to fix the country, observing instead a worsening situation with unfulfilled promises and persistent issues of insecurity and poverty, especially in the northern regions.