Hakeem Baba Ahmed, former special adviser on political matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has criticized President Bola Tinubu, saying he appears disconnected from the daily struggles facing Nigerians.
Speaking during a television interview, Baba Ahmed reacted to recent remarks by Tinubu suggesting that Nigerians who fail to see progress under his administration may be biased or unable to recognize development. The president had dismissed critics by saying those who do not see the “hope” in his policies might need eyeglasses to do so.
Baba Ahmed described the comment as troubling, arguing that it reflects a lack of awareness of the country’s economic and security challenges. According to him, the realities on the ground contradict the administration’s claims of progress.
He pointed to rising poverty, insecurity, and hardship, insisting that many Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs. “There is no way you can live in this country, see the level of poverty and unaccountability, and still expect Nigerians to applaud your performance,” he said.
As national chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Baba Ahmed also argued that government reforms have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives. He maintained that policies outlined on paper are not matching real world outcomes.
He further expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress could be defeated in a credible election, citing what he described as a growing gap between government perception and public sentiment.
According to him, if a truly free and fair electoral process is conducted, opposition parties stand a strong chance, largely because of dissatisfaction among citizens.
The comments add to ongoing political debates about governance, economic reforms, and public perception as Nigeria moves c to future election cycles.
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