Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former special adviser on political matters to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has described ex-President Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s worst leader, saying he was more focused on holding power than actually governing.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed said Buhari failed to deliver on key expectations and did not represent northern interests, despite the hopes many placed in him.
“We supported Buhari not because he was from the north, but because he seemed like a better option than Goodluck Jonathan at the time. We thought he’d tackle corruption and unite the country. Sadly, he did the opposite,” he said.
When asked if Buhari ran the worst government in Nigeria’s history, Baba-Ahmed agreed, citing poor governance, neglect of the poor, and misplaced priorities.
“I’ve lived 70 years and I’ve never seen a government that governed less, cared less, or failed more in setting priorities,” he said.
He disclosed that he was once deeply involved in Buhari’s campaign and even chaired the president’s party in his state. However, he said disillusionment set in early during Buhari’s presidency when it became clear that the ex-leader was uninterested in the hard work of governance.
Baba-Ahmed, who resigned from his advisory role under President Tinubu in March, also expressed disappointment in the current administration. Although he does not regret joining the government, he admitted he wouldn’t make the same decision again.
“I didn’t see the passion or commitment needed to fix a broken country. What I saw was more of a façade,” he said.
He criticised the Tinubu administration for lacking preparedness, saying many of the government’s actions seem reactive. He also highlighted worsening insecurity, especially in states like Niger, Plateau, and Benue, despite official claims of reduced v+olence.
“There’s a huge gap between what’s being said and the reality Nigerians are facing. Who gives them these statistics? Do they even understand how people are living?” he asked.
