Tinubu’s Political Storm: APC Chieftain Reveals Region Behind Growing Discontent

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ayo Oyalowo, has insisted that northern Nigeria has no grievances with President Bola Tinubu, dismissing claims to the contrary by some political elites.

Speaking on Thursday during Channels Television’s Politics Today, Oyalowo said the North remains strongly represented in Tinubu’s administration and that those voicing discontent are simply individuals whose personal ambitions were not fulfilled.

“Tinubu has no problem with the North. Today, the North is well-represented in this government. Some of the most important positions are held by Northerners. The newly appointed Chairman and CEO of NERC, for instance, is from Kano. The only people complaining are those who didn’t get what they were after,” he stated.

Oyalowo also brushed aside concerns about Tinubu’s chances in the 19 northern states come 2027, urging Nigerians to ignore political elites “negotiating for their own gain.” He cited videos of students in Sokoto celebrating after the government paid their Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) fees as proof of genuine grassroots support.

“Those videos weren’t from Ogbomoso or Lagos — they were from Sokoto and Bauchi. Students came out to thank Tinubu for paying their fees. But some Nigerians prefer to focus only on hunger and ignore the good happening,” he said.

He added that current northern governors, including those of Katsina and Kaduna, have publicly acknowledged Tinubu’s contributions to the region. According to him, a recent town hall meeting with northern political leaders ended positively, highlighting the president’s achievements in the North.

However, he admitted that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has maintained a critical stance, remarking, “The ACF has never seen anything positive in what Tinubu has been doing.”