₦airaland Forum

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential election, tensions between President Bola Tinubu and influential northern political figures are becoming increasingly evident. Several factors contribute to this growing discontent, suggesting a potential shift in political alliances. Here are six key reasons behind this development:​

1. Perceived Marginalization in Federal Appointments
Northern leaders have expressed concerns over what they perceive as disproportionate representation in key federal appointments. Positions such as the Petroleum Minister, Finance Minister, and Chief Justice of Nigeria are reportedly held predominantly by individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group. This concentration has led to feelings of exclusion among northern political elites, who believe their support during the 2023 elections has not been adequately reciprocated. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

2. Economic Policies Impacting the North Adversely
President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and proposed tax changes, have been met with criticism in the North. These policies have led to increased living costs, disproportionately affecting the economically vulnerable northern population. The Northern Elders Forum has voiced regret over supporting Tinubu, citing that the “Renewed Hope” promised has turned into widespread hopelessness.

3. Strategic Political Realignments
Recent visits by prominent northern politicians to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura have raised eyebrows. While officially described as Eid homages, analysts like Senator Shehu Sani suggest these meetings are strategic moves to build a northern alliance aimed at challenging Tinubu’s re-election bid. Such realignments indicate a concerted effort to consolidate northern political power ahead of 2027.

4. Youth Discontent and Rising Unrest
The northern region has witnessed increasing youth unrest, fueled by economic hardship and perceived governmental neglect. Protests inspired by events in other African nations have taken root in northern Nigeria, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among young people. This demographic shift poses a challenge to Tinubu’s administration, as the youth constitute a significant portion of the electorate. ​
5. Rejection of Calls for Northern Political Patience
Statements by figures like APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, urging the North to wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency again, have been met with resistance. Northern leaders argue that such calls are attempts to suppress legitimate political aspirations and are indicative of a broader strategy to sideline northern interests. ​

6. Concerns Over Centralization of Power

Decisions such as relocating key federal institutions from Abuja to Lagos have been perceived by northern leaders as efforts to centralize power in the South-West. This has exacerbated feelings of marginalization and fueled narratives that the Tinubu administration prioritizes regional interests over national unity. ​

The convergence of these factors suggests a growing rift between President Tinubu and northern political elites. As the 2027 elections approach, the dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape may undergo significant shifts, influenced by regional sentiments and strategic alliances.​

paulsonsmith313:
Nigeria needs good governance

flokii:
The core North will be commiting political suicide in 2027 if they follow likes of Datti-Ahmed, El-rufai and co.. The best bet is for them to support PBAT to complete 8 years just like our people supported Buhari to complete 8 years.
Any sinister move to stop South's 8 years turn in power will cause serious political tension in Nigeria. Moreover, the Middle Belt/North Central won't vote for any Fulani ticket because of the mass murder going on in Plateau and Benue States. Supporting a Fulani person to power is like signing their own death warrant.

flokii:
The core North will be commiting political suicide in 2027 if they follow likes of Datti-Ahmed, El-rufai and co.. The best bet is for them to support PBAT to complete 8 years just like our people supported Buhari to complete 8 years.
Any sinister move to stop South's 8 years turn in power will cause serious political tension in Nigeria. Moreover, the Middle Belt/North Central won't vote for any Fulani ticket because of the mass murder going on in Plateau and Benue States. Supporting a Fulani person to power is like signing their own death warrant.

Salewa97:
I see this narrative often but I dont buy it.

Tinubu is the president of Nigeria and not just the south or the southwest. The north can feel however they want to feel, it wont stop him from winning the election.

He has the south east, south south and a chunk of the north already in his pocket. So let the northern elites grumble, it wont change anything.

Sannisege:
My own is that if the north openly opposes Tinubu and he eventually wins, it mean say north own don finish be that.

Sannisege:
My own is that if the north openly opposes Tinubu and he eventually wins, it mean say north own don finish be that.

eyesoflagos:
6 Reasons Why Northern Political Forces May Be Turning Against Tinubu Ahead of 2027″

https://eyesoflagos.com/2025/04/21/6-reasons-why-northern-political-forces-may-be-turning-against-tinubu-ahead-of-2027/

Highways:
Where Are The Cows? Is Evans A Herdsman?'


When Funke Olakurin, daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti was murdered instead of Bola Tinubu to make sure that the perpetrators were brought to book, he ended up making fun of the death of the young lady by turning everything into tribalism by showing his hates for Igbos.


Tinubu has never spoken against the deadly activities of Fulani herdsmen across the country

The same stand Adeyinka Grandson gave on the death of Fasoranti's daughter is where Tinubu, the leader of the Yoruba Conservatives stands. Please see Tinubu's video below. pic.twitter.com/COhiSvabqW

— Adeyinka Grandson (@deyinkagrandson) July 14, 2019

Mrs Olakunrin died of gunshot wounds in July 2019 after her vehicle was attacked by armed men, suspected to be marauding Fulani bandits whose violent activities had reached a frightening level across the southwest states.


Those arrested suspects include Lawal Mazaje, 40, from Felele area of Kogi State; Adamu Adamu, 50, from Jada area of Adamawa State; Mohammed Usman, 26, from Illela area of Sokoto State and Auwal Abubakar, 25, from Shinkafi area of Zamfara State....

However, the leader of the team, identified only as Tambaya, and three others are yet to be found.

Tambaya has been declared wanted by the police and he is said to be capable of communicating in Hausa, Fulfude and Pidgin English.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/388382-afenifere-police-speak-on-arrest-of-alleged-killers-of-fasorantis-daughter.html