Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has warned that Nigeria is worse off under President Bola Tinubu than when he assumed office.
Baba-Ahmed made the remark on Tuesday during a state-of-the-nation address.
He said insecurity has worsened in both scale and impact three years into Tinubu’s administration.
He accused the president of failing to fulfil his promise to make Nigeria safer and improve living conditions.
Baba-Ahmed, who served as special adviser on political matters to Tinubu before resigning, said the government has not made meaningful progress in tackling insecurity.
“Sir, we are in trouble deeper than when you came. Do something about insecurity or this country will sink,” he said.
Furthermore, he criticised the president’s recent trip to the United Kingdom. He said the visit came at a time of rising attacks across the country.
The elder statesman noted that key security officials, including the minister of defence and the national security adviser, accompanied the president.
He described their absence during the crisis as insensitive.
Baba-Ahmed said the government continues to issue routine directives without achieving results.
Meanwhile, he warned that political violence is also increasing across the country.
He said thugs now attack politicians and disrupt campaigns, making political activities unsafe in many areas.
The former NEF’s spokesman cautioned that such actions could threaten the 2027 general election.
He urged political actors to end violence and respect democratic processes, warning that no politician holds strength in all regions, stressing the need for restraint.
Baba-Ahmed called on the government to act decisively to address insecurity and restore public confidence.
