The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) spokesperson, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has been appointed as the special adviser on political issues to Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Baba-Ahmed is the elder brother of Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi in the February 25 election.

Baba-Ahmed, who disclosed his new appointment in a post on his X handle on Monday, said he is honoured to be given the chance to contribute to building the country.

“It is time to make it public that I have accepted the call to serve as Special Adviser (Political) to the VP,” Hakeem said.

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

Baba-Ahmed was a former chief of staff to Bukola Saraki, and former senate president from 2017 to 2019