Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of humiliating and neglecting Northerners, warning the president’s supporters against attempting to secure votes through financial inducements ahead of the 2027 general election.
Baba-Ahmed made the allegations in a post on his Facebook page, claiming that supporters of Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were preparing to distribute money on an unprecedented scale to win political support across Northern Nigeria.
He challenged political leaders from Northern states supporting the president’s re-election bid to explain their positions to voters, particularly in states including Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Kwara, Kaduna, Plateau, Kogi and Nasarawa.
“We know they will share money on a scale never before seen in Nigerian politics. Their problem is that they look down on Northerners. They think they can buy us off and make us forget the humiliation and neglect we have suffered under Tinubu’s administration,” he wrote.
The PRP chairman urged Northerners to defend their dignity and reject attempts to influence their political decisions through monetary inducements.
He also warned against any attempt to manipulate election results if voters reject Tinubu and the APC at the polls.
“If we reject the APC and Tinubu, nobody should dare manipulate the election results,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He maintained that supporters of the president were entitled to campaign for their preferred candidate, but insisted that the political contest should be conducted without intimidation or interference with voters’ choices.
“As for those supporting Tinubu and the APC, you are welcome. We are here, and you are there. Let the contest begin,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed concluded his statement with a prayer for Nigerians to be delivered from oppressive leaders.
Kaduna Commissioner Defends Tinubu’s Supporters
However, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, has defended supporters of the president, declaring that they would campaign for Tinubu’s re-election without fear.
Reacting to Baba-Ahmed’s remarks, Maiyaki expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
“We are fully prepared, and we will campaign for Bola Ahmed Tinubu without fear or doubt. And, God willing, Tinubu will win the election,” he said.
Maiyaki also rejected suggestions that some political actors had a greater claim to Northern identity than others, insisting that no individual or group should attempt to intimidate supporters of the president.
“Nobody is more of a Northerner than anyone else. Whoever tries to intimidate us, we will stand up to them, regardless of how highly placed they are. So, respect yourself,” he stated.
The commissioner urged politicians across party lines to focus on promoting their preferred candidates rather than making divisive statements.
“Campaign for your candidate and allow others to do the same. Don’t be divisive,” Maiyaki added.
The exchange highlights growing political disagreements over Tinubu’s standing in Northern Nigeria as political actors position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
While Baba-Ahmed has criticised the administration’s treatment of the region and warned against vote-buying, Maiyaki has reaffirmed the commitment of Tinubu’s supporters to campaign for his re-election.
The competing positions underscore the importance of economic conditions, regional interests, electoral integrity and political mobilisation in the emerging contest for Northern votes.
