Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Affairs in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, has denied rumours of a strained relationship between President Bola Tinubu and his deputy, amid growing speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed addressed the ongoing reports suggesting that Tinubu has sidelined Shettima and may even drop him as running mate in the next election. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has repeatedly refuted these claims, calling them unfounded.
“I didn’t see that. I find it odd. Between the two of them, I think those rumours are cooked, to be honest,” Baba-Ahmed said. “I never really interacted with the President… but I spoke with Shettima, and from his perspective, he doesn’t feel sidelined or that Tinubu has any grievances against him.”
Baba-Ahmed, who resigned from his role earlier this year, had been accused by some political groups of stepping down after realising Shettima had lost relevance within the presidency. He, however, maintained that he saw a healthy working relationship between the President and Vice President, describing the synergy between them as strong.
