The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allegedly marginalizing and disrespecting the people of the North, while cautioning political allies against trying to buy votes with money.
Baba-Ahmed, in a post on his Facebook page, alleged that supporters of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were planning to distribute money on an unprecedented scale to secure support in the North.
He challenged political leaders from Northern states supporting the president to explain their position to the electorate.
“What will the leaders of the campaign to bring back Tinubu and the APC, especially those from Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi and Nasarawa states, tell the people?” he asked.
“We know they will share money on a scale never before seen in Nigerian politics. Their problem is that they look down on Northerners. They think they can buy us off and make us forget the humiliation and neglect we have suffered under Tinubu’s administration.”
The PRP national chairman urged Northerners to defend their dignity and reject attempts to influence their political choices through financial inducements.
“We will show them that we, too, are human beings with dignity. If we reject the APC and Tinubu, nobody should dare manipulate the election results,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also challenged supporters of the president to defend their political position, declaring that the contest ahead of the election should be open to all sides.
“As for those supporting Tinubu and the APC, you are welcome. We are here, and you are there. Let the contest begin,” he wrote.
He concluded his post with a prayer for Nigerians to be delivered from oppressive leaders.
However, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, has defended Tinubu’s supporters, declaring that they would campaign for the president’s re-election without fear.
Reacting to Baba-Ahmed’s post, Maiyaki expressed confidence that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election.
“We are fully prepared, and we will campaign for Bola Ahmed Tinubu without fear or doubt. And, God willing, Tinubu will win the election,” he said.
Maiyaki also rejected any suggestion that some people were more entitled than others to claim Northern identity.
“Nobody is more of a Northerner than anyone else. Whoever tries to intimidate us, we will stand up to them, regardless of how highly placed they are. So, respect yourself,” he said.
He advised politicians to campaign for their preferred candidates without creating divisions.
“Campaign for your candidate and allow others to do the same. Don’t be divisive,” Maiyaki added.
What You Should Know
This political development highlights rising tensions between opposition parties and the ruling APC as early alignments for the 2027 general elections take shape in the North.
- Positive Impact: Encourages political awareness and challenges voters to critically evaluate governance rather than accepting financial inducements.
- Potential Concerns: Heightens regional polarization and risks fueling political friction as state officials and opposition figures trade accusations over voter intimidation and loyalty.
