The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has publicly expressed regret over their decision to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 elections. During an interview with the Guardian, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesman for the forum, conveyed the group’s disappointment, citing a misalignment with the broader interests of the region.
In the 2023 presidential contest, Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered the most votes from the northern region among the three main candidates. However, the aftermath has prompted a reevaluation within the NEF. Suleiman indicated that future presidential elections would see the North seeking a candidate who embodies unity, inclusiveness, and is less controversial, reflecting the interests of all Nigerian regions more effectively.
This change in stance follows recent observations of other political figures, such as Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, who has been active in making donations and visiting communities in the northern states. Suleiman’s comments suggest that the North will prioritize these qualities to avoid repeating what they now consider a mistake.
Criticism of Tinubu’s administration, particularly concerning policies perceived as anti-masses, such as the recent hike in electricity tariffs, has been sharp. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a key opponent in the last election, and the Peoples Democratic Party have voiced significant concerns about the lack of a “human face” in these policies.
Despite these challenges, President Tinubu remains optimistic about the future, citing legislation like the Student Loan bill as steps towards alleviating poverty and asserting control over economic issues, including inflation.
The NEF’s reflections mark a pivotal moment in Northern Nigeria’s political landscape, signaling a potential shift in how political endorsements and alignments might evolve in forthcoming elections.
