President Bola Tinubu’s drive for re-election has triggered a fierce rift within northern Nigeria’s political landscape, as ex-lawmakers find themselves on opposing sides of a growing ideological and political battle.
The Northern Caucus Forum, an alliance of former members of the 9th National Assembly, recently endorsed Tinubu at a session facilitated by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila. Describing Tinubu as “a national leader,” the group framed its support as a move toward sustaining national balance and development.
Coordinator Rufai Chanchangi, representing the forum, stated that continuing Tinubu’s leadership would ensure “equity, fairness, and political stability.”
Yet, the endorsement met instant resistance. A separate faction of ex-lawmakers denounced the gathering as a “political theatre,” asserting that it lacked moral and constitutional authority. “This group does not speak for all former northern legislators,” said Zakari Mohammed, one of four signatories to the opposing statement.
The disgruntled group lambasted Tinubu’s administration over deteriorating socio-economic conditions in the North and labelled the endorsement as a “hatchet job.”
Their rebuke referenced insecurity in Zamfara, Borno, and Benue, while asserting, “The North deserves honesty, development, and bold leadership—not choreographed communiques masking hunger and insecurity.”
The controversy comes days after a northern policy forum in Kaduna aired grievances about the Tinubu presidency. Despite a few commendations, many northern voices accused the administration of marginalization—an allegation also championed by political stalwarts like Rabiu Kwankwaso.
With northern political unity showing signs of strain, analysts predict that Tinubu’s path to a second term may hinge on how effectively he addresses regional discontent and rising northern opposition.