Several northern political figures and groups have expressed strong dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of neglecting northern interests and favoring the Yoruba ethnic group in key government appointments. They argue that Tinubu has concentrated influential roles, such as the Petroleum Minister and Finance Minister, among Yoruba officials, sidelining northern representation.
Prominent northern leaders, including the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), have voiced their regret over supporting Tinubu in the 2023 elections, citing feelings of “deception and hopelessness” in the North. The North-East Governors’ Forum also criticized Tinubu’s administration for neglecting their region, especially in infrastructure and electricity development.
Recent meetings among northern political leaders and visits by figures like Atiku Abubakar to former President Muhammadu Buhari have fueled speculation of a potential northern realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.