Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, has warned that growing dissatisfaction across Northern Nigeria could have serious electoral implications if not urgently addressed.
Ndume issued the warning on Wednesday during an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time, where he said the level of discontent in the region was being understated.
“Anybody who tells you that the North is not grumbling now is not telling the truth,” he said. “If nothing is done, it will be reflected loudly at the polls. The good thing, however, is that the President still has the opportunity to turn things around.”
The senator also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle, alleging that the President is being poorly served by advisers who lack political depth and grassroots connection.
According to Ndume, Northern leaders have made efforts to engage the President constructively, noting that he personally participated in meetings between Tinubu and northern elders.
“In the North, elders have been reaching out. I was part of the first and the last meetings when northern elders met with Mr. President,” he said. “He was prepared, brought in key appointees from the North, and we had a very productive session.”
However, Ndume said the engagement process stalled shortly after, despite assurances from the President that consultations would continue.
“He promised it would continue, but it never did,” he added.
While absolving President Tinubu of direct responsibility, the lawmaker argued that the challenges facing the administration stem largely from the calibre of individuals surrounding the President.
“The President is not the problem; the people around him are,” Ndume said.
He contrasted the current situation with Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, which he said was marked by strong and capable advisers.
“He had good people around him in Lagos, and that was why he succeeded. Most of those good hands are no longer there; they have been sidelined,” he said.
Ndume further accused some presidential aides of elitism and detachment from national realities.
“Some of them only know Ikoyi and Victoria Island. From there, they fly to London or America where their families live. They are not fully connected to the country,” he said.
He warned that unless concerns—particularly those from the North—are addressed promptly, dissatisfaction could deepen and significantly influence voting behaviour in future elections.