A FRESH round of political back-and-forth has erupted after Umar D. Duhu, a former member of the APC National Working Committee, issued a rejoinder countering comments made by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, ex-Political Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
News Poiint Nigeria reports that Baba-Ahmed had publicly suggested that President Tinubu should not seek re-election in 2027, arguing that the President has not demonstrated the urgency or “hunger” expected of a leader determined to fix Nigeria.
The controversy began on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where Baba-Ahmed said President Tinubu appeared to have “achieved his life ambition” of becoming president but had not shown the drive to govern effectively.
“I wish President Tinubu would not run again in 2027,” Baba-Ahmed said. “He said his ambition was to be president,‘Emilokan’. But I don’t think he has run the country well. The hunger, the brilliance, the drive he used to have is not what we are seeing now.”
He further advised the President to step aside for a younger, healthier, and more focused candidate while offering support from behind the scenes. His comments came despite the All Progressives Congress (APC) having already endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in May 2025.
At the party’s national summit that month, the Progressive Governors’ Forum passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the President. Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking on behalf of the Forum, declared: “We acknowledge the resolution of the governors that Mr President carries our flag in 2027, and we take responsibility for delivering this mandate in our states.”
In a detailed rebuttal sent to News Point Nigeria on Monday, Umar D. Duhu strongly disagreed with Baba-Ahmed’s assessment, describing it as premature, politically distracting, and unhelpful to Nigeria’s collective challenges.
“With respect, I beg to differ,” Duhu wrote. “Governance is an evolving process. It is premature to dismiss the ongoing efforts of President Tinubu in addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges. The Renewed Hope Agenda is a progressive framework that requires patience and collaboration.”
Duhu accused some senior Nigerians of consistently shifting public conversation away from the nation’s pressing security crisis by injecting political intrigue into the discourse.
“It is disheartening that well-meaning Nigerians divert attention from insecurity—the true elephant in the room—by introducing political speculations that raise questions about their motives,” he said.
He argued that speculating about the 2027 elections at this stage was unhelpful and counterproductive, particularly when national focus should be on supporting policies aimed at stabilising the economy, deepening security responses, and strengthening democratic participation.
Duhu urged political leaders, citizens, and institutions to prioritise unity, constructive dialogue, and evidence-based engagement over partisan attacks.
“Nigeria needs collective action informed by data-driven insights and a shared vision,” he said. “It is through mutual accountability and a commitment to the greater good that we can confront insecurity, economic pressures, and social challenges.”
He reiterated that the APC’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term remains a party decision guided by its constitution and internal democratic processes.
“Selection of the 2027 presidential candidate is a party matter. The APC has already expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership. Discussions on succession or withdrawal at this stage are unnecessary distractions.”