By Rafiyat Sadiq
A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ayo Oyalowo, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu continues to enjoy substantial support across northern Nigeria, contrary to claims by some political elites suggesting otherwise.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Oyalowo dismissed narratives that the president’s political base in the region has weakened ahead of the 2027 general elections. He argued that the North remains firmly represented in the administration, with key federal positions currently occupied by northerners.
Citing the recent appointment of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from Kano as an example, Oyalowo suggested that those questioning Tinubu’s popularity in the region are merely aggrieved individuals who “didn’t get what they were looking for”.
He further referenced recent viral videos showing students in Sokoto and Bauchi expressing gratitude after the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), paid their tuition fees. “That video was not from Ogbomoso or Lagos; it was Sokoto. Those are real human beings and students coming out to thank Tinubu for paying their fees,” he said.
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While acknowledging the current economic challenges facing the country, Oyalowo urged Nigerians to also recognise what he described as the administration’s achievements, accusing critics of ignoring “the good that is happening”.
The APC chieftain added that several northern governors have publicly commended the president’s efforts in their states. “Did you listen to the governor of Katsina? Did you hear the governor of Kaduna? These are leaders in the North right now, and they are informing their people about what Bola Tinubu has done for them,” he said.
Although he noted that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has maintained a critical stance towards the administration, Oyalowo insisted that “the real northern people” still stand with the president.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
