Shehu Sani urges North to support Tinubu in 2027, says region should not be baited by failed politicians

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has called on the people of Northern Nigeria to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his potential re-election in 2027, noting that the region has benefitted from his leadership and must not be swayed by failed political actors.

Speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Monday, June 2, Sani praised the progress made under Tinubu’s government so far, especially when compared to previous administrations led by Northern politicians.

“For those of us from this part (North) of the country, we appreciate the progress made so far by this present government,” he said. “And for those of them who had the opportunity to do better and they failed, we tell them it is better they apologise for the wrong they have done to the people of the North.”

Sani cautioned against divisive rhetoric from northern political elites who, he claimed, are driven by personal interests rather than genuine concern for the masses.

“They should not incite the North against a government that is doing far better than the one that came from their side,” he said. “Tinubu supported our own [Buhari] for eight years. Now it is only fair we allow the South to complete their turn.”

Citing the history of political support between regions, he noted that the Northwest has produced two presidents since 1999—Umar Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari—with consistent support from the Southwest. “That is equity, justice, and fairness,” he added.

He also urged Nigerians to reflect on the past and not allow discontented individuals—who once held power but failed to deliver—to manipulate public sentiment.

“These are people who had the opportunity to turn the North into a paradise but left it as a hell,” he said. “Their grievances are about personal interests—not the people, not insecurity, and certainly not governance.”

Sani highlighted the continued security challenges in the region but acknowledged improvements, particularly in parts of Kaduna State. “Banditry happened every hour for eight years along Birnin Gwari road. Now, people travel day and night,” he noted, attributing the progress to the current military leadership and renewed federal attention.

He pointed out that Northerners still hold key federal positions, including in defence, foreign affairs, health, agriculture, environment, and the newly created Ministry of Livestock.

“For those of us from Kaduna State, we are beneficiaries of a new medical centre, a federal university in southern Kaduna, and increased funding for the Kaduna-Abuja road project. We are seeing results and we only demand more,” he said.

While commending Tinubu’s government, Sani urged the president to remain responsive to criticism and intensify efforts to address the North’s lingering challenges.

“My message is also to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: more should be done in addressing challenges in the North, critics should be listened to, and where there are lies, they should be responded to. This country will be great if there is development in all parts of Nigeria,” he concluded.