A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Ismael Ahmed, has said that some northern elites feel sidelined in President Bola Tinubu’s administration despite their region’s significant role in his electoral victory.

 

Ahmed, who previously served as a Senior Special Adviser on Social Investment Programmes, made these remarks during an interview on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television.

 

“A lot of people from the north believe they put in all they could to get President Tinubu into office,” Ahmed said. “Now, they are asking: ‘Are we fully represented?’”

 

The former All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader highlighted Tinubu’s strong electoral performance in the north, where he won in key states, including four in the North Central, three in the Northwest, and one in the Northeast. He pointed to Kano State’s contribution of over 500,000 votes, which played a crucial role in helping Tinubu defeat northern candidates Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

 

However, he noted that a growing sense of exclusion among northern elites has “cascaded down to the average northerner.” He added that while similar concerns exist in the Southeast, eastern political figures have been less vocal about their grievances.

 

The issue of regional representation in Tinubu’s government has sparked debates among northern political figures.

 

Prominent leaders such as former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, former Senator Shehu Sani, and Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume have all criticized the administration’s appointments, arguing they do not fairly reflect the north’s electoral contributions.

 

In January, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, had also publicly withdrew his support for Tinubu’s administration, citing frustrations with its policies.