Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Bola Tinubu in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, has firmly debunked speculations of a rift between Tinubu and Shettima, dismissing rumors that the president might replace his vice president ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Baba-Ahmed addressed swirling claims that Tinubu was sidelining Shettima, calling such reports “cooked” and baseless. His remarks come amid heightened political chatter, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) also refuting these allegations as unfounded.
Baba-Ahmed, previously a prominent figure in the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), resigned from his advisory role in March 2025, prompting some groups to speculate that his departure stemmed from Shettima’s diminishing relevance in the presidency. However, Baba-Ahmed clarified that he saw no evidence of discord during his 17-month tenure. “I didn’t see that. I find it odd. Between the two of them, I think those rumors are cooked, to be honest,” he stated. While noting he never had direct discussions with Tinubu about Shettima, Baba-Ahmed emphasized Shettima’s perspective: “I don’t think Shettima feels he’s been sidelined. I don’t think he feels Tinubu has any grievance against him. I saw a President and a Vice President who work well. The synergy was there.”
The rumors have been fueled by reports of Shettima being denied access to the Presidential Villa and broader claims of marginalization, particularly from North Central stakeholders pushing for the vice-presidential slot in 2027. The APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, has dismissed such speculations as “beer-parlour discussions,” insisting that any decision to replace Shettima would require extensive stakeholder consultation, not unilateral action by Tinubu. Baba-Ahmed’s testimony aligns with this, portraying Shettima as a loyal and capable partner who has consistently praised Tinubu’s leadership, despite complex power dynamics within the presidency involving influential aides.
Baba-Ahmed’s comments also reflect his broader critique of Tinubu’s administration, having recently urged the president to forgo a 2027 re-election bid in favor of a younger candidate. Yet, on the Tinubu-Shettima relationship, his account counters narratives of division, suggesting a functional partnership rooted in mutual respect. As political maneuvering intensifies ahead of 2027, with opposition coalitions forming and regional demands like those from the North Central gaining traction, Baba-Ahmed’s insights offer a critical perspective, underscoring the need to separate fact from political gossip in Nigeria’s high-stakes electoral landscape.
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I find it hard to believe theres no tension between Tinubu and Shettima. Politics is always full of drama!
I dont buy it! Theres definitely more to this story than meets the eye. Lets dig deeper. #TinubuShettimaRiftSpeculation
Do you think this is just a facade to maintain unity within the party? Or is there more to the story? 🤔
I dont buy it! Theres definitely soing fishy going on behind the scenes. Cant trust politicians these days.
I dont buy it! Theres definitely more to this supposed dismissal of rift rumors. Lets dig deeper, folks!
Im not convinced. There could be underlying tensions. Lets not dismiss it so quickly. Time will tell.