Political Support for Tinubu Strengthens in the North
Defense Minister Bello Matawalle has recently made a significant statement regarding the political landscape surrounding President Bola Tinubu. A steadfast ally of the president, Matawalle refuted claims that the North would not support Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. He argued that such notions only exist in the imaginations of opposition politicians, asserting that the North aligns with Tinubu and vice versa.
Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, confidently predicted that Tinubu would secure a substantial majority of the northern vote in 2027. He contended that, unlike the 2023 elections, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate split the vote with the PDP and Labor Party across various northern states, Tinubu is poised to exceed his 2023 performance significantly in the next election.
This optimistic sentiment is echoed by numerous politicians and organizations, notably the Northern Elders Progressive Movement (NEPM). The group commended Tinubu for his initiatives in combating insecurity, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering political unity throughout Nigeria.
Malam Yusuf Abubakar, General Secretary of the NEPM, stated that Nigerians should recognize and appreciate leaders like Tinubu who have demonstrated both courage and the capability to implement policies aimed at fostering prosperity for all. He emphasized that these policies benefit both Northern and Southern regions alike, especially highlighting Tinubu’s commitment to addressing insecurity in northern areas, particularly in the Northwest.
The NEPM specifically acknowledged the military’s recent successes in dismantling bandit enclaves and apprehending leaders in states such as Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara. Abubakar suggested that these achievements reflect a serious commitment to combating insecurity and should encourage greater faith in the ongoing efforts.
In another show of support, influential Christian leaders from Northern Nigeria publicly endorsed Tinubu during the presentation of his three-year report card to the community. The event, held in Abuja and organized by the Northern Nigeria Forum for Christian Progress (CNNPF), gathered prominent clerics and thought leaders to assess the impact of Tinubu’s administration on the northern Christian community.
During the event, CNNPF National President Ibrahim Gabriel Itodo urged that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year term to promote national unity and political stability. He emphasized the importance of a fair, unwritten agreement to rotate power between the North and South, arguing that adhering to such conventions is critical for maintaining national cohesion. Itodo also defended Northern Christians’ support for the APC in 2023 as a strategic move aimed at backing Tinubu through to 2027.
Recent visits to the North reveal a distinct shift in sentiment towards Tinubu’s leadership. Many residents express their growing confidence in his administration’s ability to address security concerns effectively. Farmers, in particular, have begun to experience a renewed sense of safety, allowing them to focus more on agricultural production. The ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian military and U.S. security forces has bolstered their confidence as well, owing to the federal government’s heightened prioritization of security under Tinubu’s guidance.
Observers note that with consistent efforts on security since 2002, Nigeria could have effectively mitigated the current terrorism crisis. Northerners increasingly believe in Tinubu’s capability to fulfill his electoral promises without bias. His previous leadership in Lagos demonstrates a commendable blend of vision and decisiveness, which many view as prerequisites for a second term.
Furthermore, the northern agricultural sector has benefited from substantial enhancements, courtesy of strategic cost reductions in crucial inputs like fertilizers and tractors. Initiatives through agricultural banks have increased farmers’ access to financial resources, revitalizing the sector overall. Recognizing the North’s status as Nigeria’s agricultural heartland, President Tinubu has taken concrete steps to ensure that farmers’ productivity improves through better yield capacities and export opportunities.
Farmers are now calling for compensation that accurately reflects their agricultural contributions. This demand underscores the importance of reliable market access for processed and raw produce. Tinubu’s administration aims to address these issues by enhancing road and rail infrastructure, facilitating easier movement of goods and agricultural products across the region.
In a recent statement, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani reiterated the strong pro-Tinubu sentiments prevalent in the North. He claimed that Tinubu’s contributions to the region in areas like infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare surpass those of any previous leader. Sani firmly dismissed suggestions that northern voters would not support Tinubu in 2027, asserting that he would secure even more votes than in the previous election.
Political analysts specializing in northern politics largely agree with Sani and Matawalle’s assessments, contending that Tinubu is likely to garner a larger share of the northern vote in the next elections, partly due to his administration’s ongoing efforts to develop essential infrastructure and key appointments throughout the region.
Okude writes from Abuja
