Former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari has criticized the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for expressing regret over supporting President Bola Tinubu in the last general election. Masari argued that the NEF’s endorsement was based on expectations rather than principles, and it’s too early to judge the administration, which has only been in power for six or nine months.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Masari stated, “Those who say they are regretting supporting him (Tinubu) are saying it because they did not support him on principles. They supported him on expectations, and when those expectations were not met for them, then they could say they regretted it.”
Masari emphasized that he and others supported Tinubu based on principles, and it’s unfair to pass judgment on a government that has only been in power for a short time. He also responded to criticism from opposition candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, saying that there’s no magic solution to the country’s problems and that all political parties, including the opposition, promised to remove fuel subsidies during the campaign.
Masari noted that Nigerians are often “bad losers” and that winners should be more accommodating and patient, as it’s the price of leadership. His comments highlight the ongoing debate and tensions within the political landscape in Nigeria.
The NEF had earlier stated that the North made a mistake in voting Tinubu to the presidency in 2023 and that it’s unlikely they will repeat the same error in the future. However, Masari’s comments suggest that the endorsement was based on expectations rather than principles, and that it’s too early to judge the administration. The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions and debates in Nigeria.