The spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the special adviser on political affairs to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

His appointment surprised many as he has been a strong critic of the APC-led administration over the years.

Baba-Ahmed's appointment was made known on Monday, September 18, via a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.

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

"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"