Northern political activist and former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, has sparked fresh controversy by accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of ethnic favoritism, alleging that his administration prioritizes Yoruba interests at the expense of national unity.
Speaking during the debut episode of the Political Advantage Platform (PAP) podcast, hosted by Hadiza Malumfashi, Naja’atu claimed Tinubu’s government is driven by ethnic loyalty rather than a commitment to inclusive governance. According to her, the President has been using federal resources disproportionately to develop the South-West, where he hails from, sidelining other regions in the process.
“I have nothing personal against Tinubu, but it is clear that everything in his government is about Yorubas — for Yorubas, by Yorubas,” she stated.
Naja’atu, a former director in Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign council, said Nigerians expected reform and competence due to the President’s much-touted governance record in Lagos State. However, she described his administration as deeply disappointing and disconnected from the realities ordinary Nigerians face daily.
“People had high hopes because of his so-called experience in Lagos, but the Tinubu administration has failed to rise to the occasion. It has become a regional government rather than a national one,” she added.
Naja’atu’s criticisms extend beyond ethnic considerations. She accused President Tinubu of fostering regionalism by focusing on development projects primarily in the South-West zone while neglecting the North and other parts of the country. She raised concerns that such an approach could further deepen Nigeria’s already fragile unity.
“Are we trying to vulcanize the country into ethnic fiefdoms? That’s exactly where we’re heading if this administration continues to focus on narrow ethnic interests,” Naja’atu warned.
She further criticized the Tinubu-led government for ignoring the voices of suffering Nigerians while relying heavily on advice from foreign consultants and international financial institutions, which she believes has worsened the economic crisis.
“When a government ignores the cries of its people and listens only to external bodies, the result is a broken economy and a populace in pain,” she said.
The former lawmaker also touched on the escalating security challenges plaguing Nigeria, saying the administration’s failure to address banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping has made meaningful development impossible.
“No country can progress when its citizens are not safe. Development and foreign investment will continue to elude us if people cannot travel freely or sleep with their eyes closed,” she remarked.
Naja’atu expressed dismay that the Tinubu administration, which came into office promising economic reforms, job creation, and national unity, has instead overseen worsening inflation, soaring unemployment, and continued insecurity.
“Tinubu was sold to Nigerians as a technocrat with the capacity to turn things around. But what we see is a presidency marred by favoritism, deafness to public concerns, and outright economic mismanagement,” she added.
Notably, Naja’atu Mohammed was once a vocal supporter of President Tinubu. She served in his campaign before pulling out in January 2023, citing a loss of faith in the APC and its candidate. Since then, she has become one of the most prominent northern critics of Tinubu’s presidency.
Despite her criticisms, she was quick to clarify that her opposition is not rooted in tribal or religious bias, but in her belief that leadership should reflect the interests of all Nigerians — not a select ethnic or political elite.
“This is not about North versus South, Christian versus Muslim, or Yoruba versus Hausa. It’s about justice, fairness, and the future of our country,” she explained.
Her comments have reignited debates across political and ethnic lines, with analysts warning that such sentiments — if unaddressed — could fuel division ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some civil society groups have also urged the Tinubu administration to be more inclusive and transparent in its policy decisions, appointments, and resource allocation.
As of press time, the Presidency has not officially responded to Naja’atu’s allegations. However, some APC loyalists have dismissed her statements as politically motivated and lacking in factual basis.
Political observers note that Naja’atu’s remarks, while controversial, reflect growing dissatisfaction in parts of the North and other regions over what they perceive as lopsided leadership.
As economic pressures mount and regional tensions simmer, critics like Naja’atu Mohammed continue to raise tough questions about the direction of Tinubu’s presidency. Whether the government can course-correct and build a more inclusive legacy remains to be seen.