Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former political adviser to President Bola Tinubu, has openly criticised the administration, stating that it has failed to improve governance and the lives of Nigerians since taking over from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Baba-Ahmed described the current government’s performance as disappointing and far below public expectations. He blamed poor leadership choices and a lack of direction for the continued struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
One of his key criticisms focused on the removal of the petrol subsidy. While he admitted that reversing the policy is no longer realistic, he insisted that the government must be transparent about how the savings are being used. He warned that corruption, waste, and mismanagement continue to erode public trust.
Baba-Ahmed urged President Tinubu to prioritise the fight against corruption, invest in critical infrastructure, and support social development. He also asked the president to hold state governors, especially those in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accountable for how they handle public funds.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s leadership history since the return to democracy in 1999, Baba-Ahmed painted a bleak picture. He noted that while former President Olusegun Obasanjo started on a relatively strong note, his administration was later weakened by attempts to extend his tenure. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, according to him, gave people hope, but his time in office was cut short by illness.
He was more critical of Goodluck Jonathan, saying the administration mismanaged the country and prompted many to push for change. However, he admitted that the choice that followed—President Buhari—brought even more disappointment. “Jonathan governed badly; Buhari didn’t govern at all,” he said.
Turning to President Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed said the administration began on the wrong foot, pointing to Tinubu’s campaign remark that it was “his turn” to lead. Nearly two years into the administration, he argued that statistical reports and global ratings don’t reflect the real conditions Nigerians face daily.
He stressed that good governance should be judged by the standard of living of the people, not by international assessments. In his view, Tinubu has failed to deliver the kind of change Nigerians hoped for after Buhari left office.
Baba-Ahmed concluded that Nigeria’s core problem is not democracy itself but the kind of selfish leadership the system continues to produce.
