Northern leaders are divided over President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election in 2027, with core northern groups determined to unseat him, while minority groups express support for his second term.
Reports indicate that the once-unified North is now split. Several political and socio-cultural groups argue that Tinubu has not prioritized northern interests, while others believe his administration has benefited minority communities in the region.
According to Politics Nigeria, residents from the Middle Belt, Southern Kaduna, Hausa Christians of Northern Nigeria, and many in Plateau State have distanced themselves from efforts to remove Tinubu, asserting that they have fared better under his leadership.
On the other hand, key figures from core northern groups, including political and indigenous organizations, argue that Tinubu does not deserve another term, citing economic hardships and insecurity as major concerns.
The divide is also evident in social media exchanges between prominent northern politicians, such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and human rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, who have expressed opposing views on Tinubu’s governance.
The Arewa Consultative Forum, a prominent political and cultural body in the North, has refrained from endorsing any candidate. The forum also stated that the region cannot be coerced into supporting Tinubu.
The ACF’s Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, reaffirmed that the forum remains nonpartisan, stating, “We do not involve ourselves in promoting or antagonizing any candidate.”
Meanwhile, the League of Northern Democrats, a coalition comprising APC, PDP, and NNPP members, has vowed to support an alternative candidate, claiming that Tinubu’s administration has not met the North’s expectations.
Spokesperson Ladan Salihu said, “The government has not delivered on its promises. Even those who voted for Tinubu now regret it. His administration has brought hardship, poverty, and suffering to the people.”
The National Coalition of Northern Groups echoed these sentiments, warning that if economic conditions do not improve, the North will reject Tinubu in 2027.
Jamilu Charanchi, president of the coalition, told Punch, “The North has the majority of votes. If Tinubu continues on this path, people will not re-elect him.”
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has also joined efforts to unseat Tinubu, vowing to work with El-Rufai to prevent his re-election.
Lawal stated, “The North is mobilizing with a consensus that Tinubu must step down in 2027. If he wins, northern Nigeria will turn into one large refugee camp.”
Despite the growing calls for his removal, northern minorities have pledged their support for Tinubu, with the Middle Belt Forum reiterating their commitment to backing a southern presidency in 2027.
