Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has warned that growing dissatisfaction in northern Nigeria could have serious electoral consequences if left unaddressed. Speaking on ARISE Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, Ndume said the concerns of northern citizens are real and must be addressed to prevent negative outcomes at the polls.
“Anybody that tells you that the North is not grumbling now is not telling the truth,” Ndume said. “It will be loud in their votes if nothing is done about it. The good thing about it is that the President can turn things around.”
Ndume also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle, alleging that the President is poorly served by advisers who lack political understanding and grassroots connections. He contrasted this with Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor, noting that strong, capable advisers contributed significantly to his success at that time.
“The President had good people around him when he was governor of Lagos; that was why he succeeded,” Ndume said. “Most of the good people are not there now. They have been sidelined.”
He described some presidential aides as elitist and disconnected, saying they “only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island… They are not even full Nigerians.” According to Ndume, the President’s inability to receive honest counsel from advisers risks deepening northern discontent.
On attempts to engage the President, Ndume noted that northern elders had met with Tinubu in constructive sessions, in which he personally participated. “He was prepared. He brought all the critical appointees from the North, and we had a wonderful session. He promised that it would continue, but it never happened,” Ndume said.
The senator stressed that addressing northern grievances is essential to prevent escalating dissatisfaction, warning that the region’s frustrations could be clearly reflected in voter behaviour in upcoming elections.
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