On Friday, May 2, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, cleared the air about the rumored tension between President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed addressed claims that Shettima has been sidelined by Tinubu and might even be replaced ahead of the 2027 general elections—rumors the All Progressives Congress (APC) has already dismissed as baseless.
Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) before joining government, resigned from his role in Tinubu’s administration. His departure had stirred speculation that he left because Shettima was losing relevance in the presidency.
But Baba-Ahmed shut those rumors down.
“I didn’t see that. I find it odd. Between the two of them I think those rumours are cooked to be honest,” he said.
He explained that he never had a personal discussion with Tinubu about the vice president but spoke directly with Shettima:
“I never really interacted with the President. I never sat down with Tinubu to ask him how he felt about Shettima.
But I spoke with Shettima. I can tell you only from 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.”
