A prominent political commentator, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has criticised the power dynamics within the Presidential Villa, alleging that Vice President Kashim Shettima has been sidelined from key decision-making processes by a powerful political circle surrounding President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview recently broadcast by the Symfoni digital news platform Monitored by The News Chronicle on Saturday, the analyst described Shettima as a “spectator” in government, claiming that the Vice President’s role has increasingly become ceremonial while major national policies are determined without his meaningful input.
The commentator also accused the administration of engaging in an avoidable political confrontation with prominent Christian clerics who have intensified their criticism of the Federal Government over economic hardship and insecurity.
According to the analyst, President Tinubu’s administration could lose the moral and political battle if it continues to disregard the concerns being raised by influential religious leaders.
He argued that the bishops and other Christian leaders reflect the frustrations of millions of Nigerians struggling with rising living costs, economic pressures and insecurity.
The analyst further criticised what he described as the Vice President’s silence in the face of widespread hardship, arguing that effective executive leadership requires those in government to speak up for citizens experiencing difficult conditions.
He also rejected any attempt to intimidate or silence religious critics, insisting that public criticism and calls for accountability should not be suppressed.
The remarks come amid growing public debate over the administration’s economic policies, security situation and political leadership.
The commentator maintained that the Federal Government must reassess its governance strategy, improve transparency and respond more directly to citizens’ concerns if it hopes to rebuild public confidence and preserve its political goodwill.
