Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has delivered a scathing indictment of ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, asserting that Buhari prioritised the title of presidency over actual governance. In a candid discussion on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed described Buhari’s tenure as the worst in Nigeria’s history.
“Buhari didn’t represent the north. We initially viewed him as a promising alternative—not because he was a northerner, but because he seemed a better choice than Goodluck Jonathan at the time,” Baba-Ahmed recalled. “We expected him to tackle corruption effectively and unify the country, particularly in contrast to Jonathan’s perceived leniency towards Boko Haram. However, he ended up doing the opposite.”
When asked if he believed Buhari’s administration was the worst in Nigeria’s history, Baba-Ahmed emphatically agreed, citing his 70 years of experience and highlighting the government’s glaring deficiencies in governance, empathy for the impoverished, and effective prioritization.
“I have yet to witness a government that governed less, cared less for the less fortunate, or failed more at prioritizing issues,” he stated. “I was actively involved in his campaign and chaired his party in my state for four years, but it became evident early in his presidency that he was more enamored with being president than with genuine governance.”
Baba-Ahmed transitioned from private counsel to public criticism as it became apparent that Buhari was unresponsive to concerns.
Having resigned from his presidential position in March, Baba-Ahmed indicated that he holds no regrets about joining Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. However, he expressed hesitation about repeating that choice given current circumstances.
“I don’t regret my decision, but based on the current trajectory, I wouldn’t make the same choice again. The commitment to effectively fix our broken country seems lacking, presenting more as a façade,” he remarked.
Baba-Ahmed noted that Nigerians had placed their hopes in Tinubu during the 2023 election, anticipating reforms and subsidy removals. Yet, he suggested that the administration lacks proper preparation for the challenges ahead.
“His advisers seem to be reacting to problems as they arise, highlighting a significant gap between what is promised and what is delivered,” he said. “In regions like Niger, Plateau, and Benue, violence has escalated compared to two years ago, contrary to the contrasting statistics that claim otherwise. Who compiles these figures? Are they aware of the real conditions that Nigerians are facing?”
As the dialogue around Nigeria’s political landscape continues, Baba-Ahmed’s criticisms underscore a pressing demand for accountability and effective governance in the nation.