A political activist from Nigeria has expressed concerns that some northern leaders are prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of the region’s people. Usman Okai-Austin, a former House of Representatives candidate, stated that individuals are using the North’s name to further their own agendas rather than genuinely representing its citizens.

In a recent interview, Okai-Austin emphasized that the North has not yet taken a unified stance on political matters, including the upcoming 2027 presidential election. He argued that the perceived division within the region is overstated, as there has been no collective decision-making process. Okai-Austin pointed out that past political moves were often driven by individual ambitions, citing examples of leaders promoting certain candidates or policies for personal gain.

He referenced the attempts to produce a northern president after Buhari’s term, with some leaders pushing for former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, while others, like El-Rufai, advocated for a southern candidate to promote national unity. Okai-Austin noted that El-Rufai’s support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket was likely motivated by his own ambitions, including a potential vice presidency. However, when this did not materialize, El-Rufai was nominated for a ministerial position, which ultimately fell apart due to a petition challenging his nomination.

Okai-Austin highlighted the pressing challenges faced by northern citizens, including insecurity, unemployment, out-of-school children, and poverty. He emphasized that leaders should focus on addressing these issues rather than exploiting the region for personal political gains. The activist’s comments underscore the need for genuine representation and collective decision-making in the North, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election. As the region continues to navigate its political landscape, it remains to be seen how leaders will respond to the challenges facing their constituents.