He questioned the logic behind regional bias in presidential selection, asking why a Yoruba man has held the presidency for four consecutive years, while other southern regions like Edo or the South-East have not been given similar opportunities. This, he argued, reflects a deeper issue of regional imbalance and the need for a more inclusive political landscape. Baba-Ahmed stressed that Nigeria’s political future should not be dictated by geography but by merit and the ability to address national challenges.
According to him, Nigerians are now more focused on real issues such as daily killings, widespread poverty, and economic instability. “I don’t think Nigerians would vote purely on regional terms,” he said. “I think Nigerians will look at how we are being killed every day on the street, how poverty has eaten deep—they might vote for good candidates like the ones we are fielding and then we can make a change.” He added that the idea of regional advantage or disadvantage in elections is being overrated and no longer reflects the reality on the ground.
Baba-Ahmed’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is evolving, with younger voters and urban populations increasingly demanding transparency, accountability, and results. His comments also reflect growing pressure on political parties to field candidates based on competence and vision rather than regional or ethnic affiliations. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, his words serve as a reminder that Nigeria’s electorate is becoming more informed and less tolerant of political tokenism.
The former presidential aide’s message is likely to resonate with voters across the country who are tired of regional politics and are looking for leaders who can deliver tangible change. His call for a merit-based electoral system may influence how candidates position themselves in the coming years. As Nigeria prepares for its next general election, Baba-Ahmed’s insights highlight a crucial shift in voter behavior and expectations.
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