By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of marginalising Northern Nigerians since the start of his administration, describing his recent appointments as a last-minute effort to regain trust after months of exclusion.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, the opposition party criticised what it called “token appointments,” arguing that they are not a substitute for genuine national inclusion. The statement, signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, suggested that the President’s actions reflect “political panic management” rather than a sincere commitment to unity.
“You cannot marginalise a region for over twenty-five months and expect applause because you suddenly remembered on the twenty-sixth month that Nigeria is bigger than Lagos State,” the party said.
‘Systematic Exclusion’
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu has faced criticism over what some see as a Lagos-centric approach to governance. The ADC alleges that his administration has systematically excluded the North from key policy decisions and appointments.
“For over a year, this government turned a blind eye as bandits terrorised northern villages, farmers abandoned their land, and rural economies collapsed under the weight of the subsidy removal,” the party claimed.
The ADC also accused Tinubu of only reacting due to growing political pressure and rising public discontent, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where opposition coalitions have begun to gain momentum.
‘Tokenism Is Not Governance’
Abdullahi argued that the President’s latest moves—perceived as efforts to balance political representation—do not go far enough.
“But Northerners, as co-owners of our great federal republic, know better than to be deceived by these token appointments. Tokenism is not inclusion, and symbolism is not governance,” he said.
The party urged the President to move away from what it described as “Bourdillon-style appeasement politics”—a reference to the political culture associated with Tinubu’s Lagos power base—and instead prioritise fair policies, federal character, and broader consultation.
“You cannot patch a broken roof with press releases and photo-ops. Titles are not a substitute for genuine commitment to nation-building,” the statement added.
APC Fires Back: ADC’s Remarks on Buhari Burial ‘Insensitive’
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) swiftly responded to the ADC’s broader critique, particularly condemning its remarks related to the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on 13 July and was laid to rest two days later with full state honours.
In a statement signed by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka and shared by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the party described the ADC’s comments as “insensitive and unacceptable.”
“The party’s criticism of the dignified state burial accorded to the late President is as spooky as it is unconscionable,” Morka said.
He accused the ADC of exploiting a period of national mourning to score political points, suggesting that the party was out of touch with both protocol and public sentiment.
“What would the ADC have had President Tinubu do? Deny the late President Buhari the honour of a befitting state burial? Withhold empathy and support from the bereaved family?” he asked.
‘A Party of Political Dregs’
Morka went further, accusing the ADC of being “a party of mindless political dregs” and a “dump for Nigeria’s internally displaced politicians.”
“Nigerians must remain wary of the ADC and its band of political marauders prowling for power with nothing to offer except peddling falsehood and vilifying a President who is hard at work for the transformation and progress of our nation,” the statement read.
A Divided Political Climate
The back-and-forth reflects the increasingly tense political environment in Nigeria as President Tinubu grapples with economic challenges, security concerns, and growing opposition pressure. With the 2027 general election on the horizon, parties are already positioning themselves, and regional dynamics—particularly in the North—could prove decisive.
As the country continues to mourn the loss of former President Buhari, political discourse remains sharply divided over the legacy of his administration and the path forward under President Tinubu.
