President Bola Tinubu appears to be taking significant steps to regain the support of northern leaders and address grievances within his administration.
Close aides to the President have disclosed that several initiatives are underway, on counteracting the dissatisfaction expressed by some northern politicians, who have voiced concerns over perceived unfair policies and marginalization.
Northern leaders have criticized the Tinubu administration for alleged nepotism and have expressed disappointment with his cabinet appointments, accusing him of favouring Lagos indigenes over other regions.
The discontent has been amplified by prominent figures such as former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume and former National Vice Chairman of the APC, Salihu Lukman. Lukman, who recently resigned from the APC, criticized northern politicians in Tinubu’s administration for failing to defend the region’s interests, particularly Vice President Kashim Shettima’s perceived lack of leadership.
In April, a spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum, Abdulaziz Suleiman, said the forum regretted supporting Tinubu, adding that with the increased security challenges in the region, the North had learned its lessons.
Suleiman, in an interview, noted that the North would prioritise unity and agreement in choosing the country’s next top presidential candidate.
“The North made a mistake in voting Bola Tinubu to the presidency in 2023, and it is unlikely that they will repeat the same error in the future.
“They have learned from their past missteps and will strive to select a candidate who can unite the country and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians.
“Moving forward, the North will be more cautious in selecting a candidate for the presidency. They will prioritise someone who is seen as more inclusive, less controversial, and more aligned with the interests of all regions of the country,” he said.
In response to the challenges, Punch reports that the Presidency is reportedly adopting a two-pronged approach.
The first strategy involves increasing northern representation in appointments and addressing concerns about lopsided selections. The second approach aims to tackle poverty and illiteracy in the North, issues that have long plagued the region and fueled unrest.
Furthermore, senior officials in the administration have expressed frustration over northern governors not acknowledging the Federal Government’s contributions to their states, particularly the distribution of palliatives.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has been tasked with advocating for northern causes, and efforts are being made to reach out to aggrieved stakeholders through Vice President Shettima and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Despite these efforts, some northern elites remain focused on ensuring that power remains in the North in the 2027 elections.
