Tinubu’s Policies Risk Fueling Northern Discontent, Atiku Warns During Visit to El-Rufai
Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that continued political tensions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prominent northern leaders could deepen regional grievances and destabilize national cohesion. Atiku made the remarks during a visit to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai at his residence, where discussions reportedly centered on the state of the nation and evolving political dynamics ahead of future electoral cycles. A Warning Against Escalating Political RhetoricSpeaking after the meeting, Atiku expressed concern that what he described as sustained political “attacks” or marginalization of northern political figures could heighten tensions across the region. While he did not elaborate on specific actions by the federal government, his remarks appear to reference ongoing political realignments and criticisms involving key northern stakeholders. Analysts note that Nigeria’s political stability has historically depended on delicate regional balancing, particularly between the North and South. Political rhetoric that is perceived as exclusionary or punitive, observers argue, can amplify existing fault lines in Africa’s most populous democracy. Context: Shifting Alliances and National Politics the meeting between Atiku and El-Rufai comes amid renewed speculation over alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. El-Rufai, once considered a close ally of President Tinubu during the 2023 campaign season, has in recent months been linked to broader consultations across political divides.Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has remained a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration’s economic and governance policies, particularly regarding fuel subsidy reforms, exchange rate liberalization, and security management. President Tinubu’s administration has defended its reforms as necessary structural adjustments aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economy and restoring investor confidence. Government officials maintain that policy decisions are national in scope and not targeted at any region or political block. Reactions and Broader Implications Political commentators caution that language suggesting the possibility of “revolution” must be carefully contextualized in a country with a history of ethno-political sensitivities. Nigeria’s constitutional framework guarantees equality before the law, and experts emphasize that democratic engagement—rather than inflammatory rhetoric—remains the appropriate channel for political grievances. The interaction between Atiku and El-Rufai has been widely reported by national and international media, including Premium Times, TheCable, and Channels Television, which highlighted the significance of the meeting within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.As Nigeria navigates economic reforms, regional expectations, and coalition-building ahead of the next electoral cycle, political leaders face increasing pressure to balance criticism with constructive dialogue. For a nation of over 200 million people, stability depends not only on policy outcomes but also on responsible political communication. SourcesPremium Times TheCableChannels Television.
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