APC Chieftain Oyalowo: Tinubu Maintains Strong Northern Support Despite Political Rumblings
Northern Governors, Students Show Solidarity as Administration Makes Strategic Appointments
In a robust defense of President Bola Tinubu’s political standing, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Ayo Oyalowo has dismissed growing speculation about waning northern support for the administration. The political strategist’s comments come amid increasing scrutiny of the president’s regional alliances ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Northern Representation in Government Remains Strong
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Thursday, Oyalowo presented a compelling counter-narrative to claims of northern discontent. “Tinubu has no problem with the North,” he asserted. “Today, the North is well represented in this government. Right now, some of the key positions in this government are occupied by Northerners.”
The APC stalwart pointed to recent high-profile appointments as evidence of this continued partnership, particularly highlighting the selection of the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from Kano State. Such strategic placements, according to Oyalowo, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to regional inclusion.
Grassroots Support Evident in Education Initiatives
Beyond political appointments, Oyalowo pointed to tangible policy impacts winning over northern constituencies. He referenced viral videos from Sokoto and Bauchi showing students celebrating after the federal government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), settled their academic fees.
“That video was not from Ogbomoso or Lagos, it was Sokoto,” Oyalowo emphasized. “Those are real human beings… students came out thanking Tinubu for paying their fees.” The emotional scenes, he suggested, reveal a groundswell of support that transcends elite political maneuvering.
Northern Governors Voice Approval
The APC chieftain further bolstered his argument by noting public endorsements from several northern governors. “Governors from Katsina, Kaduna and other northern states have openly commended Tinubu’s performance in the region,” he stated, framing these as authentic indicators of regional approval rather than mere political platitudes.
This gubernatorial support becomes particularly significant given Nigeria’s federal structure, where state executives wield considerable influence over local political dynamics and voter sentiment.
Addressing the Arewa Consultative Forum Critique
While acknowledging critical voices from organizations like the Arewa Consultative Forum, Oyalowo drew a distinction between elite commentary and popular sentiment. He insisted that “the real northern people” – the students, traders, and everyday citizens benefiting from government programs – maintain strong allegiance to the Tinubu administration.
The political analyst attributed much of the criticism to unmet expectations among certain power brokers rather than a genuine erosion of support. “Some individuals became disgruntled when their personal ambitions weren’t fulfilled,” he suggested, implying that such disappointments shouldn’t be misread as broader regional discontent.
The Road to 2027
As political calculations for the next presidential election begin taking shape, Oyalowo’s remarks highlight the complex interplay between elite politics and grassroots support in Nigeria’s diverse northern region. The administration appears to be pursuing a dual strategy of maintaining elite buy-in through appointments while cultivating popular support via social programs.
Whether this approach can sustain northern backing through the next election cycle remains to be seen, but the APC chieftain’s confident assessment suggests the party believes its northern foundations remain solid despite the political turbulence.
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