Ex-Buhari Aide: Northern Elites Feel Marginalized in Tinubu’s Administration
A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Ismael Ahmed, has stated that some northern elites feel excluded from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite the region’s significant role in his electoral success.
Ahmed, who previously served as a Senior Special Adviser on Social Investment Programmes, made this assertion during an interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television.
“Many people from the north believe they gave their all to secure President Tinubu’s victory,” he said. “Now, they are wondering: ‘Are we adequately represented?’”
As a former All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader, Ahmed emphasized Tinubu’s strong performance in the north, where he secured victories in key states—four in the North Central, three in the Northwest, and one in the Northeast. He particularly highlighted Kano State, which contributed over 500,000 votes, significantly aiding Tinubu in defeating northern rivals Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
However, he noted that northern elites’ growing sense of exclusion has begun resonating with the average northerner. He added that while a similar sentiment exists in the Southeast, political figures from the eastern region have been less outspoken about their concerns.
The debate over regional representation in Tinubu’s government has sparked criticisms from prominent northern leaders. Figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senator Shehu Sani, and Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume have argued that the administration’s appointments fail to fairly reflect the north’s electoral contributions.
In January, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also publicly withdrew his support for Tinubu’s government, citing discontent with its policies.