On April 4, 2025, a significant political development unfolded in Nigeria, capturing the attention of many on social media platforms like X.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who served as the political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, stepped down from his position, sparking widespread speculation and discussion.

This resignation, announced two weeks prior to the viral X post by Nigeria Stories, has been linked to a mix of personal reasons and underlying tensions within the administration, particularly with northern appointees.

Let’s dive into the details of this political shake-up, exploring the context, the players involved, and what it means for Nigeria’s current leadership.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, born on September 11, 1955, is no stranger to Nigeria’s political landscape. A retired senior civil servant, he previously held the role of Chief of Staff to former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

More notably, Baba-Ahmed was a prominent figure in the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), a group that has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration.

The NEF had publicly expressed regret over supporting Tinubu in the 2023 elections, a statement that stirred controversy and drew sharp criticism from other northern leaders within the government.

This backdrop of regional and political friction sets the stage for Baba-Ahmed’s exit.

The immediate trigger for his resignation appears to be a clash with Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.

Back in April 2024, Matawalle had publicly called out northern appointees, urging them not to stay silent amid what he described as “intimidation and misrepresentation” of Tinubu’s achievements.

This was a thinly veiled jab at Baba-Ahmed, who had criticized Matawalle for dismissing the NEF as a “political paperweight.” Baba-Ahmed, in response, argued that the administration would benefit more if Matawalle focused on showcasing his own accomplishments as a minister rather than attacking the NEF.

This public spat highlighted deep divisions within Tinubu’s team, particularly between northern appointees and the presidency, and likely contributed to Baba-Ahmed’s decision to step down.

Adding to the complexity, Baba-Ahmed’s resignation coincides with a broader restructuring effort by President Tinubu.

Just days before the X post, on April 2, 2025, Tinubu announced a major overhaul of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), appointing a new board led by Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive.

This move was framed as a critical step to address long-standing issues of corruption within the NNPC and to boost Nigeria’s oil production and refining capacity.

Tinubu’s administration has been grappling with economic challenges, including skyrocketing food and fuel prices, which have fueled public discontent.

The NNPC restructuring, while aimed at driving economic growth, also signals Tinubu’s intent “‘to shake things up within his government, possibly creating an environment where political advisers like Baba-Ahmed felt increasingly sidelined or at odds with the administration’s direction.

The reactions on X to Baba-Ahmed’s resignation reflect a mix of surprise, skepticism, and humor.

Some users speculated about internal conflicts, with one suggesting that “something is not right,” while others quipped that Baba-Ahmed might have grown tired of giving advice that wasn’t heeded.

The broader political context in Nigeria, marked by economic struggles, insecurity, and regional tensions, adds weight to this resignation.

As Tinubu navigates these challenges, the departure of a key adviser like Baba-Ahmed raises questions about the stability and unity of his administration, especially as he pushes forward with ambitious reforms in critical sectors like oil and gas