The North feels marginalized by President Bola Tinubu's administration, according to Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Tinubu. Baba-Ahmed made this revelation while speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, highlighting the region's growing discontent with the current administration.
*Key Concerns*
- *Insecurity*: The North is grappling with rising insecurity, which Baba-Ahmed believes requires immediate attention from the federal government.
- *Poverty and Unemployment*: Poverty levels and unemployment rates are soaring in the region, exacerbating the sense of marginalization.
- *Drug Abuse*: The North is also struggling with drug abuse, which Baba-Ahmed thinks needs to be addressed urgently.
*Demand for Attention*
Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the North demands attention and action from the Tinubu administration to address these pressing issues. He noted that the region feels used every four years during elections, with politicians promising handouts and attention, only to disappear after winning. The North wants more substantial engagement and solutions to its problems ¹.
*Implications for 2027 Presidency*
The growing sense of marginalization in the North could have implications for the 2027 presidency. Some, like Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), believe a formidable candidate from the North could effectively counter President Tinubu in the future. Momodu stressed the importance of coalition politics and strategic thinking in challenging Tinubu's potential re-election bid ².
*Conclusion*
The North's feelings of marginalization under Tinubu's administration are a pressing concern that requires attention and action. As Baba-Ahmed pointed out, the region's problems need to be addressed to ensure the country's stability and progress. The potential implications for the 2027 presidency are significant, and it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out in the future.
