A recent statement by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has stirred significant debate on the enduring grip of Northern Nigeria on presidential politics. In a viral video, Baba-Ahmed emphatically declared that no candidate can become Nigeria’s president without the support of the North, an assertion that brings to the fore the deeply entrenched regional dynamics shaping the country’s democratic process.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks are more than just political bravado; they represent a strategic signal ahead of the 2027 elections. He hinted at a pending political recalibration in the North, declaring that within six months, the region would unveil its political direction. This is a clear message not just to Northern political elites but also to power contenders in other parts of the country.
His call for unity among Northern ethnic and religious groups—Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, Mangu, and others—underscores his concerns about internal fractures that could weaken the region’s bargaining power. Warning against “traitor politicians” and referencing past destabilization attempts, including bombings during Buhari’s campaign era, Baba-Ahmed paints a picture of a region historically under siege, yet resilient and strategically significant.
Implicit in his statement is a sense of political entitlement, born from historical precedence and demographic advantage. The North, with its significant voter population, has often been a kingmaker in Nigeria's electoral contests. But Baba-Ahmed’s framing—"It’s left for the rest of Nigerians to follow us, or we go alone"—raises questions about national cohesion and the spirit of federalism. It hints at a potential hardening of regional identities, a dangerous trajectory for a country already grappling with deep divisions.
Ultimately, Baba-Ahmed's remarks serve as both a rallying cry and a warning: the North is watching, organizing, and preparing to dictate terms. Whether this will galvanize other regions into strategic alliances or deepen existing tensions remains to be seen. What is clear is that the road to 2027 has begun—and the battle for the North’s loyalty is central to the contest.
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