A former Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice President, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to forego a second term in 2027 in favor of handing over leadership to a new generation of Nigerians capable of steering the country toward progress with renewed vigor and innovative ideas.
The Letter:
—
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
I had hoped to meet you in person before tendering my resignation—an encounter that would have allowed me to offer my most sincere advice directly, a gesture of gratitude for the opportunity you granted me 18 months ago when you approved my appointment as Special Adviser on Political Matters. Unfortunately, that opportunity never materialized, despite the best efforts of the Vice President, several ministers, and other high-ranking officials who tried to dissuade me from stepping down.
Nevertheless, I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me. At 70 years old, with no political allegiance to your party and a reputation for criticizing the last administration, my appointment suggested a desire on your part to embrace diverse perspectives and meritocracy. I am particularly thankful to the Vice President, who made significant efforts to persuade me to remain.
Truthfully, I wrestled with serious doubts before accepting the offer. Your “Emi Lokan” slogan gave the impression of a leader more driven by personal ambition than national service—an alarming prospect after the debilitating Buhari years. Many well-meaning individuals warned me I might not fit into your government, fearing it would become “Buhari 2.0” or worse.
Still, I chose to join, hoping to help extinguish the flames rather than stand idly by criticizing from the sidelines—accepting the inevitable damage to some of my professional relationships and bracing for attacks from a cynical public that often assumes political appointments are merely routes to personal enrichment.
—
Leadership Shortcomings
My extensive experience in public service taught me that the Vice President’s office is often marginalized or viewed suspiciously—a dynamic you unfortunately perpetuated. From your first act in office—abruptly removing fuel subsidies—it was clear the country would require adept hands to navigate a treacherous transition.
You inherited a battered economy and a population teetering under immense hardship. Yet, your administration has struggled, largely due to the absence of a clear, structured vision. Instead of prioritizing governance, you have focused heavily on political consolidation, leaning heavily on your old Lagos political network. Your “Renewed Hope Agenda” remains a collection of campaign promises, not a coherent governance blueprint.
Appointments to your cabinet initially prioritized loyalty over competence. Although some adjustments were later made, they were insufficient. Today, more than half of your ministers lack the capacity to manage the critical tasks of securing the nation, improving livelihoods, and restoring public trust.
Your leadership style—marked by isolation, allegations of ethnic favoritism, and frequent absences abroad—has fueled perceptions of an administration out of touch with the people. The close inner circle around you does not inspire the discipline, dynamism, or urgency needed to revitalize Nigeria. Your administration often seems captured by political interests, rather than being driven by national purpose.
—
Wasted Opportunities
Instead of focusing on inclusive governance and statesmanship, you have fostered an environment where people debate whether the suffering today surpasses that under Buhari. Meanwhile, economic progress is measured mostly in technical jargon rather than tangible improvements in daily life.
You needed a high-performing team—one animated by urgency and a deep grasp of the scale of your mission. Instead, a culture of mediocrity persists. Efforts to engage citizens and build consensus have faltered. Your spokespeople often confuse rather than enlighten, and the co-opted legislature you have encouraged undermines healthy democratic discourse.
The results are evident: security reforms are unimpressive, corruption remains pervasive, and national unity continues to erode.
—
The Danger of 2027 Distraction
Today, there is a growing perception that your administration is more focused on winning the 2027 elections than on delivering good governance. I caution you: two years is still enough time to make significant strides, but if you shift your attention prematurely toward political survival, you risk squandering both governance momentum and public goodwill.
Winning re-election without meaningful reform would only perpetuate failure. Losing could mean your entire legacy is erased.
You currently hold the power your opponents do not: the ability to ease the everyday suffering of Nigerians. Use this power wisely. Do not become consumed by the pursuit of a second term.
Already, the political landscape is shifting:
The North is increasingly disillusioned due to economic hardship and insecurity.
The East remains politically disengaged.
The South-South is fragmented.
Even the South West, your traditional stronghold, exhibits signs of growing fatigue.
The North East is deeply wounded and cannot be taken for granted.
—
An Urgent Appeal: Step Aside for the Future
Mr. President, I urge you to contemplate the legacy you wish to leave behind. Insisting on running again in 2027 could be a tragic misstep. Your place in history is already secure. You have the chance to be remembered not merely as another occupant of Aso Rock, but as a transformational leader who chose the nation’s future over personal ambition.
I appeal to you: step aside—not for the benefit of your opponents, but for the sake of a new generation of Nigerians ready to take up the mantle with fresh ideas, energy, and purpose. Our generation has had its time; now, the future beckons.
By stepping aside, you could catalyze a peaceful political transition, ignite a culture of merit and renewal, and solidify a legacy far greater than a second term could ever offer.
You are reputed to be a reformer who challenges the status quo. I hope you still possess that fire. Perhaps this is the destiny prepared for you.
I offer this advice with sincerity and hope—believing that a single leader can still change the course of a nation.
Respectfully and firmly, I urge: Mr. President, please do not seek re-election in 2027.
