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The Arewa Voters Assembly (AVA) has criticised Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed over his recent political activities and comments on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of political bias and questioning his record in public office.
In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Iliasu Musa, and Secretary, Comrade Paul Katuka, the group alleged that Baba-Ahmed’s criticisms of the President were driven by personal grievances and political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation, however, did not provide documentary evidence in the statement to substantiate some of its allegations against the former presidential adviser.
The AVA also disputed a claim attributed to Baba-Ahmed that former President Muhammadu Buhari had described Tinubu negatively, insisting that the allegation was fabricated for political purposes.
The group challenged Baba-Ahmed to provide evidence to support the claim, adding that individuals who were close to the late former President could clarify the nature of his relationship with the former leader.
The assembly further accused Baba-Ahmed of pursuing a political agenda against Tinubu and alleged that his recent activities were aimed at mobilising opposition to the administration.
AVA questions Baba-Ahmed’s public service record
The group questioned Baba-Ahmed’s contributions to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, particularly disadvantaged communities in Northern Nigeria, during his years in public office.
It cited his reported roles in government, including his tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary to the Kaduna State Government and Political Adviser in the Office of the Vice President.
The organisation also questioned his role during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, particularly the handling of information surrounding the former President’s illness.
The AVA alleged that Baba-Ahmed failed to speak out adequately on issues affecting ordinary citizens during his time in government.
It also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the decline of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), referring to the employment of Baba-Ahmed’s younger brother in the organisation.
However, the statement did not present documentary evidence linking Baba-Ahmed or his brother to any financial wrongdoing involving the former power utility.
The group also criticised Baba-Ahmed’s reported involvement in the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), arguing that his association with the party did not reflect the political traditions established by some of its historical leaders.
It named Balarabe Musa, Lawal Dambazau, Ammani Inuwa and Halle Jani among individuals it described as prominent figures in the party’s earlier years.
Group raises questions over Kaduna state administration
The AVA also questioned Baba-Ahmed’s role as Secretary to the Kaduna State Government during a period it described as marked by alleged high-handedness and arbitrary actions against civil servants and citizens.
According to the statement, the administration at the time was accused of dismissing workers without adequate regard for due process and detaining citizens without trial.
The group specifically referenced the detention of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and the alleged dismissal of civil servants without compensation.
It accused Baba-Ahmed of failing to publicly challenge the actions of the administration while serving in a senior government position.
The statement, however, did not include supporting documents or responses from Baba-Ahmed regarding the allegations.
AVA raises concerns over 2027 political alliances
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the group alleged that Baba-Ahmed’s recent political engagements were part of efforts to build an opposition coalition against Tinubu.
It claimed that the former presidential adviser was pursuing political arrangements that could undermine the President’s re-election ambitions.
The assembly also alleged that Baba-Ahmed’s criticisms were linked to his claim that he did not have direct access to Tinubu while serving as Political Adviser in the Office of the Vice President.
The group said it believed the disagreement reflected political grievances rather than concerns about governance, although it did not provide independent evidence to establish Baba-Ahmed’s motives.
The AVA further accused opposition figures of attempting to frustrate Nigeria’s efforts to procure arms from the United States for the country’s military.
It alleged that political interests were being placed above national security, but the statement did not provide evidence establishing the involvement of Baba-Ahmed or other named individuals in any effort to obstruct arms purchases.
The allegations could not be independently verified from the information contained in the statement.
Group defends Tinubu administration
The AVA defended Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the government was pursuing reforms across several sectors, including the economy, infrastructure, education and security.
It maintained that criticism of the administration should be based on verifiable facts rather than allegations or political disagreements.
The group also accused some Northern political figures of failing to adequately address the challenges facing ordinary citizens while in positions of authority.
It called on Baba-Ahmed to identify specific achievements from his years in government that directly improved the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, particularly people in Northern Nigeria.
The organisation said it would work with other groups to oppose what it described as attempts to destabilise the country for political advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
The AVA urged political actors to prioritise national unity, security and public welfare, warning against rhetoric that could deepen ethnic and religious divisions.
The statement was signed by Comrade Iliasu Musa, National Coordinator of the Arewa Voters Assembly, and Comrade Paul Katuka, the organisation’s secretary.
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