Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and older brother of Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi in the February 25 election, has accepted appointment as the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima

Hakeem who is the spokesperson for the influential Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is a prominent voice in public matters, especially issues of contextual concern to the north.

Hakeem Baba–Ahmed, who made the announcement of his new appointment via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, said he can no longer sit on the fence when he can be part of the system to contribute his quota to national development.

He expressed his eagerness to contribute to the nation’s development in his capacity as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Vice President.

He wrote: “It is time to make it public that I have accepted the call to serve as Special Adviser (Political) to the VP.

“This is not the time for fence-sitting or criticism when you can be useful in turning the country round. I am honored and humbled. Please pray for me & Nigeria.”

He has worked as Chief of Staff to former Senate President Bukola Saraki from 2017 to 2019.