The ex-Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Matters Hakeem Baba Ahmed said on Sunday that the Northern part of the country would decide its choice to support in the 2027 presidential race.

Baba Ahmed who is a diehard northern hegemonic resigned from President Tinubu’s administration recently without an explanation of reasons for his exit. He felt the need for the north to be emancipated, saying that his former boss may not be the choice of the northerners.

Baba Ahmed was the official spokesman for the Arewa Elders Forum before he was appointed by Tinubu as Special Adviser on Political Matters, a position that took away his criticism of antithetical stance of government against the northern part of the country.

The ex-aide was seen in a viral video interview with another critic of President Tinubu administration, Professor Usman Yusuf.

Yusuf was a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

In the interview, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that no politician can win the Nigerian presidency without support from the northern region.

He stressed that the North would decide its political stance in the next six months, and that the rest of the country would either follow or go its own way.

According to Baba-Ahmed, the North has suffered significantly in the past, particularly during the Boko Haram insurgency, which affected all groups regardless of religion or ethnicity.

He emphasised that northerners have become wiser and more discerning, and that no politician can expect to win their support without understanding and addressing their problems.

“We want a government that understands our problems and can address them,” Baba-Ahmed said, lamenting the state of the nation and urging northerners to resist divisive and deceptive politicians ahead of the next general elections.
The former presidential adviser also warned against further marginalisation of the North, noting that continued disregard for the region would have consequences.

“If they plan to rig the election, they should be careful. It won’t be good for Nigeria,” he cautioned.

However, Baba-Ahmed emphasised that the North is watching and that elders, the masses, and interest groups will soon say “enough is enough” to injustice and sidelining. “The injustice and sidelining must stop,” he stressed.
He noted that the North’s decision on its political direction would undoubtedly have significant implications for the 2027 general elections.

“No politician can become president without northern support, making the region’s stance crucial to any aspirant’s success,” he declared.

The former presidential aide, therefore, warned against electoral rigging and marginalisation, stressing the importance of free and fair elections for the stability and progress of the country.

“The Northern region’s support is crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he reiterated.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made major political gains in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), positioning itself strongly ahead of the 2027 elections.

This shift became clear on Thursday at the “Abuja Unity Rally,” held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

At the rally, the APC officially welcomed the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, his councilors, and thousands of supporters from all six area councils of the FCT who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).

Top APC leaders attended the event, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, current and former ministers, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and party leaders from the FCT and the North Central region.

Dr. Ganduje, speaking to a large and excited crowd, said; “The territory is too important to be left in the hands of opposition parties. With the latest political development, the ruling party is set to produce the only Senator for the FCT, two members of the House of Representatives and all area councils chairmen in the territory.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as part of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, today we have started seeing that FCT will be converted to APC. Today we have a great political giant, we have the chairman of AMAC which is the most popular local government in the Federal Capital Territory.

“The chairman, with all his elected councilors, with all his appointed councilors, with all the politicians from PDP, have decided to come to our great party, the APC. He has come with his thousands of supporters.

“Also, we have decampees from Bwari Area Council, we have decampees from Kuje Area Council, we have decampees from Abaji Area Council, we have decampees from Kwali Area Council, we have decampees from Gwagwalada Area Councils.
“What remains now? Almost all the politicians, all the people, and indeed more than 60 percent of the Federal Capital Territory is now APC.”

The Minister of Special Duties, Hon. Zaphania Jisalo, who also serves as the political leader of the FCT, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for keeping his promise to include Abuja indigenes in his administration. He said he is a “living testimony” of the President’s commitment, as he now sits on the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The Minister of State for the FCT, Hajia Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, asked voters to keep supporting the APC-led government, promising that it is working to improve their lives.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello, speaking for past APC governors, encouraged unity within the party and predicted total victory in 2027.

He said, “All the Area Councils will be APC. It is just a little time that will take. Let me commend our national chairman. Let me commend the state chairman of FCT, Alhaji Usman, for all the wonderful jobs he’s been doing.

“When I came into this arena, I was shocked to see the mammoth crowd that turned out within this shortest possible time.

“Let me tell you that this mandate that Mr President is carrying, is the mandate of the people and the people of this country have spoken and I want to assure you that come 2027, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

“Let nobody mistake it that Mr. President and former President have any issue. In fact, they continue to confer in moving this country forward.

“Other political parties are just going to escort us to the villa come 2027.

“When you are inside APC, and you are making your demands you are talking but if you leave APC and you are outside APC and you are making demands, you are simply making noise and those of us that are inside APC we will tell you to keep quiet. Therefore, APC is the owner of Nigeria today and tomorrow.”

On his part, the APC Chairman FCT chapter, Hon. Abdulmalik Usman, promised party members that under his leadership, the APC would work harder to fully control the FCT before the next elections.

Former Governors of Nasarawa and Katsina States, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, alongside 21 other prominent figures of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), have publicly reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressed strong solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a joint statement, the CPC stalwarts dismissed recent speculations of defection or dissatisfaction within their ranks as “baseless” and “mischievous,” urging the public to disregard such narratives.

“We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC), issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals, they said”

The leaders underscored the contributions and sacrifices made by the CPC in the formation of the APC and emphasized their commitment to preserving the integrity of the party.

According to them, “As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.

“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of genuine CPC core members and are wholly unacceptable.”

Backing the economic and governance policies introduced by President Tinubu, the group acknowledged the associated challenges but described them as necessary for long-term national progress.

In their words, “We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Bola Tinubu. While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.”

Addressing concerns of marginalization among party members, the CPC bloc called for internal resolution through party structures, rather than public outcry or defection.

They said those affected should seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.

Stressing the need for unity within the APC, they urged all members—especially those who were foundational to its creation—to close ranks and protect the party’s legacy.

The group also made a passionate appeal to the party’s leadership to enhance communication and engagement with members across all levels.

“Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and secure a prosperous future.

“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress,” they said.

Other signatories to the statement include: Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Hon. Almajiri Geidam, Arc. Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Argungu, Dr. Dominic Alancha, Hon. Ayuba Balami, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Hon. Lucy Ajayi, among others.