A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Ismael Ahmed, has said some northern elites feel alienated from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite the region’s role in his electoral victory.
Ahmed, who served as a Senior Special Adviser on Social Investment Programmes, made the remarks during an interview on ‘Inside Sources’ with Laolu Akande on Channels Television.
“A lot of people from the north believe they put in all they could to get President Tinubu into office,” he said. “Now, they are asking: ‘Are we fully represented?’”
The former All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader pointed out that Tinubu secured key victories in several northern states, including four in the North Central, three in the Northwest, and one in the Northeast.
He cited Kano State’s contribution of over 500,000 votes, which helped Tinubu overcome opposition from northern candidates Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Ahmed said there is now a sense of exclusion among northern elites, which has “cascaded down to the average northerner.”
He added that similar concerns exist in the Southeast, but easterners have been less vocal about their grievances.
Several prominent northern figures, including Atiku, Shehu Sani, and Ali Ndume, have criticised Tinubu’s appointments, arguing they do not adequately reflect the region’s contributions.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, publicly withdrew his support for the administration in January, citing frustrations with its policies.
Ahmed acknowledged Tinubu’s efforts to address concerns, including the creation of a Livestock Ministry and development commissions for northern regions. However, he stressed that more needs to be done.
“I expected the president by now to have visited at least some key states across the country, not just to commission projects but to engage with the people,” he said. “Kano State is 10% of the country. I think the president ought to have visited Kano.”
He urged Tinubu to improve communication and ensure all regions feel included in his administration.
“The Nigerian presidency is about managing interests. Your ability to balance them will determine how successful you are,” Ahmed said.
