Buhari and Saraki never got along, but he was a good Senate President – Baba-Ahmed

A former Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki did an impressive job leading the 8th National Assembly, despite a cracked relationship with the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking during an interview on TVC, Baba-Ahmed, who also served as Chief of Staff to Saraki, said the former Kwara governor showed maturity and leadership under pressure, especially during his legal battles.

“In spite of difficulties, mature politicians can place service above politics,” he said. “By the time I became Chief of Staff to Saraki, he was already being prosecuted almost weekly by the EFCC. But as a leader of the National Assembly, he was actually a very good Senate President. His leadership was amazing.”

He described the 8th Senate as the “best and most productive” Nigeria has had in recent times, crediting Saraki’s prior experience as governor and chairman of the Northern Governors Forum for his preparedness.

Baba-Ahmed admitted that while Buhari respected the Senate institutionally, he and Saraki were never on friendly terms. “Buhari respected the National Assembly enough to work with Saraki, but they didn’t get along personally,” he said.

He added that tension between the executive and legislature worsens when a President attempts to undermine the powers of lawmakers for political reasons. “If the President finds ways to limit the effectiveness of the legislature, then we are in trouble,” he warned.

Touching on Nigeria’s system of government, Baba-Ahmed questioned the viability of the presidential model. “We need to revisit the basis for choosing the presidential system,” he said. “What are its drawbacks? Is it still suitable for a country where one man can make every major decision?”

He also called for a national political dialogue. “It’s time to put our politics on the table and get genuine representatives of the people. Our political system is running into serious difficulties,” he said.