By Erewunmi Peace

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a bold warning to the president, reminding him that Nigerians have the constitutional power to vote him out in the 2027 general elections—if he fails to deliver on his promises.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that re-election should not be assumed, urging the President to focus on governance rather than political calculations.

“If you want to come back, come and ask for our votes. What have you done with the first four years we gave you? If we are not happy, we will vote you out. If the election is free and fair, we can vote you out,” he stated.

The remarks come amid growing political tension and public scrutiny surrounding the performance of the current administration. Baba-Ahmed’s comments have sparked conversations across political and civil society spaces about the importance of democratic accountability and performance-based leadership.

The former adviser, who resigned from his post earlier this year, also called for an environment that supports fair electoral processes, stressing that the power of the electorate remains the most important check in a democracy.

“The essence of democracy is choice,” he added. “Leaders must earn the trust and votes of the people through performance, not propaganda.”

President Tinubu, elected in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), is nearing the halfway point of his first term. While his administration has launched several reform initiatives, critics say inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship remain pressing issues for most Nigerians.

As 2027 draws closer, Baba-Ahmed’s warning may serve as a rallying point for voters demanding stronger results from their leaders.