Northern leaders are divided over the potential re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, with core northerners determined to unseat him while minority groups express support for his second term.
According to media reports, the once-unified North is now split, as several political and socio-cultural groups argue that Tinubu has not served northern interests, while others insist his administration has benefited minority communities in the region.
The Middle Belt, Southern Kaduna residents, Hausa Christians of Northern Nigeria, and many natives of Plateau State have distanced themselves from the push to remove Tinubu, stating that they have fared better under his leadership.
However, key figures among core northerners, including political and indigenous groups, insist that Tinubu does not deserve another term, citing economic hardship and insecurity.
The growing divide is 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 taken opposing stances on Tinubu’s governance.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a major political and cultural body in the North, has refrained from endorsing any candidate but 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 of APC, PDP, and NNPP members, has vowed to back an alternative candidate, arguing that Tinubu’s administration has failed to meet 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 this sentiment, 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.
