By
Chinenye Chukwuma 

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has asserted that the North will play a decisive role in the outcome of the 2027 presidential elections, stating unequivocally that no candidate can secure victory without the region's support.
In a widely circulated video interview alongside Professor Usman Yusuf, Baba-Ahmed emphasized the increasing political awareness within the North. He stated that the region will only support candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to addressing its specific challenges, particularly the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency, which he stressed affects all northerners regardless of religious or ethnic affiliations.
Baba-Ahmed urged northerners to reject politicians who sow division and engage in deception, warning of severe consequences if the region continues to be marginalized. "If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria," he cautioned.
Following his resignation from President Tinubu's advisory team to focus on advocating for northern interests, Baba-Ahmed declared that the North's political direction will become clear within the next six months. He indicated that the rest of the country will then need to align with this direction or pursue an alternative path.
"The injustice and sidelining must stop," Baba-Ahmed declared. "The North is watching, and soon, our elders, our masses, and our interest groups will say ‘enough is enough.