Don’t Seek Second Term – Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Tells Tinubu

Former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Bola Tinubu in the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned the president against seeking a second term.

Baba-Ahmed said Tinubu should instead support a younger presidential candidate in 2027.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he urged the president to use his remaining two years in office to fix Nigeria and mentor a younger successor.

He said:

“If I had met with President Tinubu, I would have told him not to run in 2027 and to back a younger candidate.

There are better things he could do than remain president. He could spend the next two years doing what he ought to have done, or improving on what he has already done.

Then, as I said in my letter, he should look for a younger person—more energetic, healthier, more focused, and more committed to the future of this country.

From within his party, he should identify people who truly understand the pains Nigerians are experiencing today—people whose children are just growing up and who wonder: ‘What will happen to my child or grandchild in the next 20 years?’

There are many patriotic and passionate Nigerians who want to contribute to the future of this country. Test them with power. You have done your part; there’s no need to seek another term.

Spend the next two years fixing Nigeria, fix the economy and fix security.”