Folarumi Aralan in Abuja
Legal Expert Calls for Northern Unity Behind President Tinubu
Saifuddin Coomasie, a prominent legal analyst at Bayes University in Abuja, has urged the northern region of Nigeria to unite in support of President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 polls. He warned that opposing Tinubu’s full eight-year term could exacerbate instability in the region, particularly given the current climate marked by insecurity and significant socio-economic challenges.
Concerns Over Economic Strain and Educational Deficits
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Coomasie spoke on Tuesday about the frustration that many Nigerians feel due to escalating poverty levels and the plight of approximately 10 million out-of-school children, a significant proportion of whom are from the North. He contended that President Tinubu’s policies require time to take effect and emphasized that political maneuvering aimed at ousting him after four years would be counterproductive.
Criticism of Regional Leadership
Less than three years into his administration, Coomasie turned his attention toward the northern leaders, suggesting that figures like former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal have failed to uplift their communities despite holding influential positions for decades. He remarked that assisting the populace doesn’t necessitate being in the highest office, criticizing local leaders for their tendency to mobilize only against southern leadership.
Changing Allegiances Among Leaders
Coomasie also pointed out the inconsistency in El-Rufai’s stance, noting how he previously hailed Tinubu as Nigeria’s best hope before shifting to a more critical position. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the power transition agreement established by earlier administrations that allocated an eight-year presidential tenure between the North and the South to stabilize Nigeria.
Warnings of Future Instability
By breaking this long-standing agreement, Coomasie warned that the North risks igniting backlash from the southern region, which could further damage the North’s reputation for reliability. He underscored that Tinubu earned the loyalty of the North in 2015 by supporting Muhammadu Buhari’s ascension to the presidency against southern incumbent Goodluck Jonathan, marking a pivotal moment for northern political aspirations.
A Call for Constructive Dialogue
While acknowledging shortcomings in Buhari’s eight-year tenure, Coomasie urged for dialogue instead of opposition to Tinubu, whom he described as receptive to feedback. He vowed to mobilize northern youths and advocate for improved representation, urging them to take their concerns directly to the president and preparing the next generation of leaders for the 2027 elections and beyond.
Rejecting Division and Incitement
Coomasie emphasized the necessity of collaboration and open communication, stating that these elements are vital for the government to address the needs of the people. He called for the people of northern Nigeria, especially influential stakeholders, to reject the incitement of division by discontented leaders and to work together in forging a united front that ensures a stable future for the nation.
