Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, has warned that growing dissatisfaction across Northern Nigeria could have serious electoral consequences if urgent steps are not taken to address the concerns of the people.
Ndume said there is widespread “grumbling” in the region, driven by economic hardship, insecurity and feelings of political exclusion, stressing that ignoring these sentiments would be politically costly in future elections. According to him, the discontent may appear muted for now, but it will ultimately manifest at the polls.
The senator made the remarks during a recent television interview, where he dismissed claims that the North is satisfied with the current situation in the country. He insisted that those who deny the existence of discontent in the region are either detached from reality or deliberately ignoring public sentiment.
Ndume noted that Northern leaders had previously engaged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the region’s grievances, saying initial discussions were promising. However, he expressed concern that follow-up engagements and sustained dialogue failed to materialise, worsening feelings of neglect among stakeholders.
He also criticised some members of the President’s inner circle, arguing that they lack grassroots connection and adequate understanding of Nigeria’s complex political dynamics. According to him, this disconnect has affected policy implementation and public perception of the administration, particularly in the North.
While maintaining that President Tinubu still has the opportunity to change the narrative, Ndume stressed that deliberate efforts must be made to re-engage aggrieved regions, address economic pressures and restore confidence in governance.
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the lawmaker warned that the North’s concerns should not be taken lightly, noting that the region remains a critical electoral bloc whose mood could decisively shape future political outcomes.
Abuja Network News
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