Amid growing political discourse around Nigeria’s 2027 elections, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has asserted that President Bola Tinubu retains significant support in the country’s northern regions, countering claims of waning influence. Ayo Oyalowo, an APC chieftain, argued during a televised interview that perceptions of a fractured relationship between the president and northern leaders are fueled by disgruntled elites rather than grassroots sentiment.
“Tinubu has no problem with the North,” Oyalowo declared on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Thursday, emphasizing that northern Nigerians hold key positions in the current administration. He cited the recent appointment of a Kano State native as Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as evidence of regional inclusivity. “Some who claim otherwise are simply upset they didn’t get what they wanted,” he added, dismissing critics as politically motivated.
The APC leader also pointed to social media videos showing students in Sokoto and Bauchi celebrating federal tuition payments under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as proof of tangible public approval. “Those students weren’t from Lagos or Ogbomoso—they were in Sokoto, openly thanking Tinubu,” he remarked, underscoring efforts to alleviate economic pressures on families. While acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Oyalowo criticized what he called selective reporting that overlooks government initiatives.
Northern governors have reportedly amplified this narrative, with Oyalowo highlighting public endorsements from Katsina and Kaduna state leaders. “These governors are telling their constituents about Tinubu’s work in the region,” he said, framing their support as reflective of broader northern sentiment. However, he conceded that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent northern socio-political group, remains critical of federal policies.
The remarks come amid heightened political jockeying ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections, where northern voter loyalty could prove decisive. Analysts note that Tinubu’s administration has prioritized infrastructure projects and education reforms in the region, though opposition figures argue economic hardships disproportionately affect northern states. Oyalowo’s assertions highlight the APC’s strategy to counter narratives of regional alienation while reinforcing connections to local leaders—a balancing act that may shape political alliances in the coming years.
