Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has resigned from his role as the Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice President. The resignation, which was submitted approximately two weeks ago according to presidency sources, has sparked a wave of discussion in political circles and among the general public. Though the full circumstances behind the decision remain undisclosed, sources familiar with the matter have indicated that personal reasons were cited in his resignation letter. This development has raised numerous questions about the stability and future direction of the political advisory team within the Vice President’s office.
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed was appointed to the advisory position in September 2023, and during his tenure, he played a key role in representing the presidency at various high-level engagements. His responsibilities included providing strategic advice on political matters and participating in discussions that helped shape the national dialogue. Throughout his time in office, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed was noted for his articulate contributions and his ability to engage with complex political issues, making his departure a matter of considerable interest.
The resignation of Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the current administration. His departure comes on the heels of another significant resignation: that of Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, who stepped down on September 7, 2024. Ngelale’s resignation was attributed to urgent medical issues within his family, as he decided to take an indefinite leave of absence to focus on personal matters. While the reasons behind Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s resignation have not been elaborated upon in detail, the fact that he cited personal grounds suggests that similar private concerns may have played a role.
The news of Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s resignation has prompted reflections on his contributions during his relatively short time in office. As a former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, his background provided him with unique insights and a strong connection to regional political dynamics. His experience and expertise were assets to the Vice President’s office, particularly when navigating the intricate landscape of national politics.
In the midst of this evolving scenario, it is important to note that Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s resignation has not yet been formally accepted by the presidency, according to the most recent reports.
Who is Hakeem Baba-Ahmed?
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, born on September 11, 1955, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, is a distinguished civil servant and administrator. He attended Kofan Doka Primary School and Tudun Wada Primary School in Zaria, followed by Government Secondary School, Alhudahuda College. He pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree, and later obtained a Master’s from the London School of Economics and a Doctorate from the University of Sussex.
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Dr. Baba-Ahmed began his career as a Graduate Assistant at Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, in 1978, advancing to Lecturer. He held significant roles in public service, including Permanent Secretary positions in various Kaduna State ministries and Director of Political Security and Cabinet Affairs in the Governor’s Office. In 1992, he became a Director in the Federal Civil Service at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. His career also includes roles such as Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2002.
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In September 2023, Dr. Baba-Ahmed was appointed as the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima. He announced his acceptance, emphasizing the importance of contributing to national development. However, in April 2025, he resigned from this position, citing personal reasons. Presidency sources confirmed that he submitted his resignation approximately two weeks prior to the public announcement.
Dr. Baba-Ahmed is married to Salamatu since June 1980, and they have five sons and four daughters.
Throughout his career, Dr. Baba-Ahmed has been recognized for his dedication to public service and his advocacy for the interests of northern Nigeria. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the nation’s political landscape, reflecting his commitment to governance and development.
