Key political figures from northern Nigeria in President Bola Tinubu’s administration have stepped up efforts to counter mounting criticisms from opposition leaders and political elites.
According to Punch, ministers and top government officials have become increasingly vocal in pushing back against negative narratives, following directives from the Presidency to challenge dissenting voices.
Leading the charge, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle strongly criticized former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi for what he called reckless and divisive remarks against Tinubu’s government.
He also dismissed the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as a liability to the region, accusing its leaders of pursuing selfish interests under the guise of regional advocacy.
Political tensions have further escalated following a dispute between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai accused Ribadu of hypocrisy, citing alleged past corruption allegations against Tinubu. In response, Ribadu denied the claims and demanded a public apology through his legal counsel.
Similarly, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar hit back at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for accusing the administration of unfulfilled promises.
Tuggar labelled Mohammed’s remarks as misleading and questioned the lack of development in Bauchi despite increased federal allocations.
Sources within the Tinubu administration indicate that northern ministers and political figures have been instructed to actively counter opposition criticism, particularly in the North.
A close ally of a defence minister confirmed that the Presidency is keen on preventing anti-Tinubu narratives from gaining traction ahead of the 2027 elections.
The political divide in the North is also fueling internal battles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While politicians from the North-West, including El-Rufai, are reportedly working against Tinubu’s re-election bid, figures from the North-East, such as Vice President Kashim Shettima and some cabinet ministers, are positioning themselves for future leadership roles.
In response to opposition efforts, the government has ramped up strategic appointments and developmental projects in key northern states.
Supporters of Tinubu in the North-West, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and former Katsina Governor Aminu Masari, are actively working to counter dissenting voices.
Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal dismissed critics of Tinubu as blackmailers, arguing that the North has benefited significantly from the administration.
He insisted that opposition elites do not represent the interests of the region and reiterated that Tinubu’s leadership remains the best option for the North.