The recent gathering of several influential political figures from Northern Nigeria in Daura, Katsina State, to meet former President Buhari, raises questions about the political future of the region. The visits of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar captured media attention and sparked mixed reactions from the political class.
This apparent attempt to consolidate political power in the North in anticipation of the upcoming elections has been interpreted in different ways. Some see it as a strategy aimed at strengthening the influence of certain key figures from the North to challenge the current government led by President Tinubu in 2027. Others consider these visits as simple protocol gestures with no real political significance.
However, Senator Shehu Sani expressed reservations about these political maneuvers, highlighting the potentially harmful consequences of exploiting regionalist sentiments to achieve political goals. He highlighted the socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria and criticized former President Buhari for failing to improve the situation during his tenure.
According to Sani, the priority should be to find concrete solutions to the problems of poverty and insecurity in the region, rather than engaging in opportunistic political maneuvers. He also warned of the risks of democratic destabilization and national division if political rivalries between the North and the South were to intensify.
Ultimately, these political meetings in Daura highlight the complex issues of politics in Nigeria and shed light on the challenges the country faces in terms of leadership and governance. It is up to political actors, both from the North and the South, to work together to overcome divisions and address the common challenges facing the country. Only a genuine commitment to the well-being and progress of all Nigerians will build a strong and prosperous political and economic future for the country.