President Bola Tinubu’s administration has mobilized its Northern cabinet members to mount a robust defense against growing criticism, revealing deeper political undercurrents and regional power dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Recent weeks have witnessed an orchestrated pushback from Northern ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet, following what sources close to the presidency describe as “marching orders” to counter mounting opposition from influential Northern figures. This coordinated response highlights the administration’s strategy to maintain its grip on power and navigate complex regional politics.
The defensive campaign gained momentum after several high-profile critics, including former government officials and regional leaders, voiced their dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s leadership. Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, emerged as one of the most vocal defenders, particularly in his sharp rebuke of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s criticisms, which he characterized as “reckless and inflammatory.” Matawalle emphasized that such comments posed risks to national unity and security at a time when the government was working to strengthen both.
A notable flashpoint in this political drama involves the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), which recently expressed regret over its support for Tinubu during the 2023 general election. Matawalle’s response was unequivocal, dismissing the group as a “political burden to northerners” and accusing them of pursuing personal interests at the expense of collective regional welfare.
The political tension escalated further with a public confrontation between former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai accused Ribadu of “serious amnesia,” citing alleged statements from a 2006 Federal Executive Council meeting where Ribadu, then serving as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, reportedly described Tinubu as the “most corrupt” politician. This accusation prompted Ribadu to seek legal recourse, demanding a public apology and retraction from El-Rufai.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has also joined the fray, responding forcefully to criticism from Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. When Mohammed accused the Tinubu administration of failing to deliver on its promises, Tuggar countered by highlighting increased federal allocations to Bauchi State while questioning the lack of visible development under Mohammed’s leadership.
Behind these public exchanges lies a more complex political calculation involving the 2027 presidential election and beyond. Sources within the presidential villa reveal that the current political maneuvering is not merely about defending Tinubu’s administration but also about positioning for future power arrangements between the North-West and North-East regions.
The emerging political dynamics suggest a sharp division between these two northern zones regarding succession plans for 2031. While influential politicians from the North-West, including El-Rufai and former Senator Wammako, are reportedly working to undermine Tinubu’s potential 2027 bid, their counterparts from the North-East, led by Vice President Kassim Shettima and supported by cabinet members like Health Minister Professor Ali Pate and Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar, are advancing their own regional interests.
This regional rivalry adds another layer of complexity to the current political landscape. The North-East contingent appears to be calculating that supporting Tinubu’s administration and potential second-term bid could position their region favorably for the presidency in 2031. Meanwhile, the North-West, traditionally a powerful political bloc, seems to be pursuing a different strategy that involves challenging Tinubu’s leadership.
Presidential sources indicate that Tinubu’s administration has responded to these challenges by strengthening its support base through strategic appointments and project allocations. The directive to Northern ministers to actively defend the administration appears to be part of a broader strategy to maintain political stability and control over the narrative in the northern region.
The unfolding situation underscores the delicate balance of power in Nigerian politics and the continuing importance of regional considerations in national governance. As the Tinubu administration navigates these challenges, the response from Northern ministers suggests a recognition of the need to maintain strong support in the region while managing internal political dynamics.
This political chess game is likely to intensify as the 2027 elections draw closer, with both the North-West and North-East positioning themselves for maximum political advantage. The success of Tinubu’s strategy to mobilize his Northern cabinet members as defenders of his administration could prove crucial in determining not only his political future but also the trajectory of power sharing between Nigeria’s northern regions in the years to come.
The current political landscape thus reflects not just immediate governance challenges but also longer-term calculations about power distribution and regional interests, making the role of Northern ministers increasingly significant in shaping Nigeria’s political narrative and future direction.
