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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The relationship between Northern Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu’s administration apparently appeared complex, with the region’s leaders and citizens holding diverse views on what they want from his leadership.
This was the crux of the matter when Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) organised a 2-day interactive sessions on government-Citizens engagement, involving Federal government appointees of Northern extraction, held in Arewa House, Kaduna from July 29-30, 2025.
While some Northerners appreciate the infrastructure development and security efforts under Tinubu’s administration, others prioritise a power shift to the region, believing it is essential for the North’s development and influence in national politics towards the 2027 general elections.
Yet, others noted that Tinubu’s administration has made notable progress in infrastructure development, including major projects like the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline.
This was even as some stakeholders in the region agreed that these projects have improved transportation networks and security in the North, contributing to economic growth and development.
However, many Northerners believe that while infrastructure development is crucial, it is not enough to address the region’s deeper challenges.
A significant segment of Northern leaders and citizens believe that a power shift to the region is essential for its development and influence in national politics. This particular view is driven by the perception that the North has been marginalised in the country’s power dynamics for too long.
But the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has hinted that the North will have to wait until 2031 for the presidency, citing an unwritten agreement between the North and South to rotate power.
However, this has sparked debate among Northern leaders, with some arguing that the region’s massive support for Tinubu in the 2023 election warrants more consideration.
Expectedly, not all Northern leaders agree on supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid. Some groups, like the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, have expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s performance, citing neglect and marginalisation of the North.
In contrast, others, like the Northern States Governors’ Forum, have praised Tinubu’s efforts and urged continued support.
There was apparent headcount of Northerners appointed by President Bola Tinubu into his cabinet within two years in office to correct ongoing cry of marginalisation by some socio-political organisations in the region.
As soon as it was time for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume to deliver his speech, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi quickly called all Tinubu’s appointees of Northern extraction to stand before the crowd in the hall for physical assessment. Over 60 appointees from the North were counted on the spot.
Malagi said the appointment by Tinubu was just a “flash in the pan, because more are still coming and we will continue to attend your event whether you invite us or not”.
The theme of the event was, “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity”.
In his address, the SGF told Northern leaders to exercise patience and support President Bola Tinubu to complete two terms of office from 2027 to 2031, so that North would comfortably take over the affairs of the country by 2031.
“Let me share with you what our leaders did in 1999, Pre Jos Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).They recognised and rightly too, that the only way to ensure our unity and territorial integrity of our dear country was to entrench in our minds and practice rotational presidency between the south and North.
“I salute the courage, sincerity and patriotism of those leaders such as Chief Solomon Lar, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Shehu Dan Musa, Abubakar Rimi, Prof. Suleman Kumo, Issac Shaahu, Prof Jerry Gana, etc. Their wisdom has paid off. This arrangement guaranteed stability of the polity. By this conception, the North, the region that is so dear to me will be eligible for the presidency in 2031, not 2027. Let us walk this path together, with faith in our country and Renewed hope in our shared future. So we are all resolved in deepening our Democracy
“I am joined by a strong team of serving ministers drawn from several critical sectors of governance to espouse the giant strides taken in restoring the socio-economic fortunes of our country in order to drive growth over the past two years of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had promised Nigerians impartiality in governance and a commitment to remodeling our economy, improving security, accelerating infrastructure, job creation and revitalising agriculture.
“These have been further distilled into eight clearly defined priority areas that reflect the commitment of Government to driving sustainable growth, ensuring security and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“The economic reform strategies are designed to create a robust, diversified, and resilient economy. By fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation, the administration aims to stimulate growth across all sectors, reduce unemployment, and ensure equitable wealth distribution.
“Security is the bedrock of national development. The focus here is on enhancing the capabilities of our security forces, promoting peace and stability, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels safe and protected, no matter where they reside.
“Through reforms, the government is unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s vast natural resources and energy sector. Through sustainable management, increased investments, and the adoption of modern technologies, the goal remains to drive economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability.
“Having laid the necessary background, let me now reflect on these priorities thematically, within the framework of governance and national renewal.The objective is to demonstrate that Renewed Hope Agenda has not merely been a campaign slogan but a pragmatic vision built on the pillars of good governance: transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, equity, rule of law, and inclusivity. It is important to expand on some of these issues because as at May 20, 2023, the economy of Nigeria was under severe stress and threats of collapse,” Akume added.
The SGF extolled the virtues of late Sir Ahmadu Bello, saying he embodied the values of compassion, wisdom, selflessness and integrity.
For the governor of Gombe State and Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the gathering was a testament that North believed in President’s Tinubu’s vision, voted strongly for him, contributed over 60 percent of Tinubu’s winning votes in 2023, adding that there was the need to continue to support him for more development to the region.
“When candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu stood before us during the 2023 campaign, he made specific commitments to Northern Nigeria. The north, believing in President’s Tinubu’s vision, voted strongly for him, contributing to over 60 percent of Tinubu’s winning votes.
“Today, we gather not for empty rhetoric, but to examine those promises and assess the level of progress so far. What we find is an administration that has delivered meaningful results for our region despite facing significant national challenges. This shows that our democracy can only work when leaders deliver on their promises, and leaders can only deliver when citizens are engaged, and policies and programmes are designed and implemented in ways that reflect the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.
“As we engage with representatives of the Federal Government, let us do so with fairness and wisdom. The North’s partnership with President Tinubu’s administration has yielded concrete results, from infrastructure to security to governance. In 2027, we must reward performance and hard work, and by that measure, President Tinubu has earned our continued support.
“Our region’s decisive support for this administration was rooted in the understanding that the North-South-West alliance is not merely political arithmetic, but a stabilising force for national unity. As the late Sardauna reminded us in his autobiography: ‘The North’s strength lies in its unity with all Nigeria.’
“The true measure of our democracy is not found in campaign promises and slogans, but in what happens after the elections are over. Democracy thrives in the spaces we create for honest dialogue, in the accountability we demand from our leaders, and in the responsibility we all share to build a Nigeria that works for every citizen,” the Gombe State Governor added.
Meanwhile, it was observed by some political analysts that the North’s expectations from President Tinubu’s administration are multifaceted, encompassing both infrastructure development and a power shift to the region. While some leaders appreciate Tinubu’s efforts, others prioritise the region’s turn for the presidency.
As the 2027 elections approach, the North’s relationship with Tinubu’s administration will likely continue to evolve, influencing the country’s political landscape.
Ultimately, the North’s development and influence in national politics will depend on its ability to articulate its priorities and negotiate with other regions and stakeholders.
