‘Northern Discontent Could Shape 2027 Election Outcomes’, Says Ex-Kano Deputy Governor

A former Kano State Deputy Governor, Dr Hafiz Abubakar, has said growing dissatisfaction in Northern Nigeria over perceived marginalisation under President Bola Tinubu could significantly influence political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Arise News’ Day Break on Thursday, Dr Abubakar said while there has been no formal declaration by northern organisations on marginalisation, comments from political leaders and groups reflect genuine concerns among voters who played a decisive role in Tinubu’s emergence as president.

Abubakar argued that the sense of exclusion has been heightened by perceptions that regions which did not support the president during the 2023 election were receiving more benefits than those that did.

He said this could prompt northern voters to reassess their political loyalty as the following election cycle approaches.
“What we see in the North is that actually, the North voted to make President Bola Tinubu the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And in a democracy, you expect a dividend of your vote. I think that is the fundamental issue that should be addressed,” Abubakar said.

“All what I believe our people are saying is that they have not seen enough reward. In fact, others that have voted even against the president now receive better attention than the ones that gave the vote,” he added.

Responding to claims of marginalisation by groups such as the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and prominent political figures, Abubakar described such grievances as a recurring feature of Nigeria’s power rotation system but acknowledged that public perception plays a critical role in shaping political outcomes.

He expressed confidence, however, that Tinubu would respond to the concerns, describing him as a “practical politician” who is capable of recalibrating his approach as political dynamics evolve.

As Nigeria moves closer to 2027, Abubakar said addressing regional grievances and delivering tangible dividends of democracy would be critical to maintaining national cohesion and electoral support.