Not many people know that right now, the North is divided over Pres. Bola Tinubu’s 2nd term bid. Opinion is also divided.
Whilsts a group is opposed to his 2nd term bid, another group, which is in the majority want him to complete his 8 years.
While some Northerners appreciate his efforts in infrastructure development and Security, others are critical of his administration’s handling of Insecurity and the economic challenges in the region.
In the area of Infrastructure Development, Tinubu’s administration has initiated several major infrastructure projects in the North, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, and Kano-Maiduguri Dual Carriageway. These projects have improved transportation networks and boosted economic activity in the region.
Some Northerners commend Tinubu for sustaining the fight against insurgency, with governors from the North-East region praising his efforts in this area.
The Presidency has highlighted various development projects in the North, including agriculture and energy initiatives, such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project.
But some criticise him for Insecurity. Northern elders have called on Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the North to address the protracted insecurity that has devastated the region’s socio-economic life and development.
Some Northerners feel that the region has been neglected, with Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso alleging that national resources are being tilted towards the southern region, resulting in deepening poverty and insecurity in the North.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition claims that the North will rally behind its candidate in the 2027 general elections to replace Tinubu, citing dissatisfaction with his administration’s performance.
Some Northern leaders, like Abdulmumin Jibrin, a federal lawmaker, believe Tinubu has people who support him in the North and will win a second term in 2027. Others, like the Northern Governors’ Forum, appreciate his efforts in addressing Security challenges.
The North is also divided over Tinubu’s re-election bid, with some working for his re-election and others working against it.
Will the pro-Buhari supporters support him? It’s unlikely that all pro-Buhari supporters in the North will support President Tinubu, observers say. While some Northern leaders and groups, like The Buhari Organisation led by Senator Tanko Al-Makura, have declared their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, others might not be swayed.
Some Northerners feel Tinubu’s administration hasn’t addressed their concerns, particularly regarding insecurity and economic hardship. This dissatisfaction might lead them to explore alternative options.
Despite being out of office, late Buhari remains popular in the North, and his supporters might not automatically transfer their loyalty to Tinubu.
There are indications of a possible alliance between Northern politicians, including Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, who visited Buhari before his death, potentially to discuss strategies against Tinubu’s re-election bid.
On the other hand, there are some factors that would most likely work in Tinubu’s favor.
Tinubu’s administration has initiated several development projects in the North, which could win over some supporters.
Tinubu’s efforts to build alliances with key stakeholders in the North might pay off, especially if they feel their interests are being represented.
Ultimately, the outcome depends on various factors, including the political landscape, voter turnout, and the performance of other candidates.
What will happen to members of the CPC, some of whom are in APC?
City People gathered that members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are currently divided in their support for President Bola Tinubu.
A faction led by Senator Tanko Al-Makura and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has pledged loyalty to President Tinubu. They’ve expressed appreciation for his administration’s efforts and promised to mobilize grassroots support for his re-election bid in 2027.
Another faction, however, has expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration,
The CPC bloc supporting Tinubu plans to create a movement to ensure his return for a second term. This movement will reportedly be cascaded down to local governments, wards, and polling units to gather support.
The CPC bloc, led by Al-Makura, visited President Tinubu a few days back, to pledge support and appreciation for his administration’s efforts.
The CPC members have promised to mobilize grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, with Speaker Abbas assuring that more than 90% of pioneer CPC members remain loyal.
President Tinubu has appointed some CPC members to key positions, such as Tanko Al-Makura as Chairman of the Governing board of UBEC.
As the leader of the Buhari Organisation (TBO) and a key figure in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Al-Makura assured Tinubu of the group’s unconditional support.
Al-Makura declared the CPC bloc’s support for Tinubu’s re-election, citing his leadership and commitment to Justice, Transparency, and Progress.
The group expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s role in organizing a State burial for former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a symbol of dignity, loyalty, and legacy.
Al-Makura pledged that the CPC bloc would mobilize nationwide support for Tinubu and the APC to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
During the visit, Tinubu highlighted his administration’s achievements, including:
Meeting Revenue Targets. He said Nigeria met its 2025 revenue target in August, eliminating the need for further borrowing.
He spoke about Economic Stability. The exchange rate has stabilized, improving from N1,900 to N1,450 per dollar.
He spoke about Food Security Initiatives and plans for mechanized farm centers in every region to ensure food sovereignty and reduce poverty.
What will then happen to Buhari’s 14 million votes? Can’t Tinubu win them to his side, some people have asked?
An insider revealed that late Muhammadu Buhari’s 14.8 million votes are a significant factor in the North.
Some believe that Buhari’s votes could be inherited by another candidate who aligns with his ideology or gains his endorsement. Rabiu Kwankwaso, for instance, has been mentioned as a potential beneficiary of Buhari’s vote bank, with some predicting he’ll inherit Buhari’s 12 million votes and more.
Others think that Buhari’s votes might fragment, with different candidates appealing to various segments of Buhari’s supporters. This could depend on factors like the candidates’ policies, leadership styles and endorsements.
But no doubt, Buhari’s votes would significantly impact on the 2027 presidential election.
The fate of Buhari’s votes remains uncertain, but they’ll play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Do the Fulani’s support Tinubu?
The Fulani community in Nigeria has shown some support for President Bola Tinubu, but it’s not a blanket endorsement.
The Association of Matasan Fulani of Nigeria (AMFON) and Fulani leaders (Ardos) have publicly endorsed Tinubu’s presidency, citing his contributions to the country’s development and support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Some Fulani leaders have mobilized support for Tinubu, urging their followers to vote for him in the 2023 presidential election. They’ve also expressed optimism about his Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, not all Fulani groups are satisfied with Tinubu’s administration. Some have expressed concerns over issues like insecurity, detention of Fulani leaders, and perceived alienation.
The Fulani community has petitioned Tinubu to release their detained leader, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, who was arrested and held without formal charges. Despite this, they’ve reaffirmed their support for Tinubu’s administration.
So, who are the key Northerners behind President Tinubu?
They include National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. He is a prominent Northerner who has praised Tinubu’s appointments, stating that the President deliberately put Northerners in key offices to address the region’s problems.
Also, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. He is a strong supporter of Tinubu, Matawalle has urged Northern appointees to defend the President or step down from their positions. He appreciates Tinubu’s strategic appointments and infrastructural development in the North.
So also Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. He is another key Northerner appointed by Tinubu, Abubakar is part of the President’s team working on national security and development.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State also. Although Sani has criticized some Northern leaders for shifting blame to Tinubu, he acknowledges the President’s efforts in stabilizing the region and promoting development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State also Yahaya, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, has praised Tinubu’s administration for visible strides in the North, including projects like the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway and agricultural value chain initiatives.
Ali Ndume, former Senator: Ndume believes Tinubu’s recent appointments of northerners to key positions reflect his commitment to inclusive governance and rectify previous imbalances.
The Progressive Northern Youth Forum (PNYF) has expressed support for Tinubu’s leadership, citing fair appointments of northerners and progress in areas like economy, security, and pro-citizen policies.
Abdulmumin Jibrin is also a key Northern figure who has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu.
