“Tinubu Govt Neglects The North, Develops Southern Nigeria, Says Kwankwaso”.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Kano State governor, has praised the resilience of Northern Nigeria while raising concerns about the equitable distribution of federal resources under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking at the Kano State Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment on Thursday, 24 July 2025, Kwankwaso urged for a fairer allocation of national funds, highlighting the North’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s progress and its ability to thrive despite perceived neglect.
Kwankwaso lauded the people of Northern Nigeria for their enduring spirit amid challenges such as poverty and insecurity, which he partly attributed to resource mismanagement. He singled out the poor state of infrastructure, particularly the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, describing a recent journey on it as “a nightmare” due to its dilapidated condition. “This road, started years ago under the APC, remains unfinished, while we hear of new roads being built from the South to the East,” he remarked, pressing the government to ensure balanced development across all regions.
Despite his critique, Kwankwaso remained optimistic about the North’s potential, celebrating its vibrant communities and their contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape. He underscored Kano’s historical importance as a political and economic hub, noting its 1.7 million votes in the 2023 presidential election, where he garnered 997,279 votes. “The North, especially Kano, has always been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s progress. We support infrastructure development everywhere, but it must benefit all Nigerians equally,” he said.
The former defence minister called on the Tinubu administration to address regional disparities, suggesting that equitable resource distribution could ease tensions and promote national unity. He also urged Kano’s lawmakers to champion the state’s interests during the constitutional review, cautioning against external pressures that could undermine fair allocation. “We’ve seen powerful interests compromise our representatives in the past. This must stop,” he declared.
Kwankwaso’s comments follow speculation of a possible alliance with Tinubu, sparked by a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa. While details of the discussion remain private, analysts view it as an attempt to bridge regional divides ahead of the 2027 elections. Social media responses have been varied, with some commending Kwankwaso’s forthrightness, while others highlighted the irony, noting similar challenges under previous administrations.
The Kano dialogue has ignited hope for a more inclusive governance approach. Kwankwaso’s push for fairness underscores the North’s critical role in Nigeria’s future, offering a compelling vision of balanced development that could unite the nation and drive progress for all its citizens.