Former presidential adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that he never met President Bola Tinubu even though he spent 18 months in office.
In an open letter on Wednesday, April 24, Baba-Ahmed appealed to the president to drop any plans of seeking re-election.
He argued that Tinubu’s most honourable political exit would be to voluntarily leave office after his first term.
His words: “Step aside—not for your opponents, but for a new generation of Nigerians who can carry the nation forward with fresh energy and ideas.
“Our generation has done its time. It would be a masterstroke if you and your party yielded the field to new voices and new leadership. That way, you could catalyse a peaceful, historic transformation and inspire a new political culture rooted in merit, unity, and progress.
“You hold what your opposition lacks: the power to reduce the harshness of life for the average Nigerian. Use it well. Watch 2027, yes—but don’t become consumed by it.”
He criticised Tinubu for failing to turn the momentum of his inauguration into effective governance.
He described the president’s Renewed Hope agenda as “a set of campaign promises, not a governance blueprint”.
According to him, over half of Tinubu’s cabinet “has no business managing an administration tasked with improving security, livelihoods, or public trust”.
He criticised Tinubu’s leadership approach, saying it has led to isolation from both the people and those who could support his success.
Baba-Ahmed said the administration has failed to communicate effectively with Nigerians.
“You needed a strong engagement strategy—one capable of building national consensus or at least neutralising hostility. Instead, you’ve appointed a crowd of spokespersons who often confuse rather than clarify your policies,” he stated.
