NEF Accuses Tinubu of Regional Bias, Demands End to 'Lopsided' Appointments
— Northern Elders Forum Warns of Rising Disunity, Calls for Equity and Constitutional Compliance
By Abdulwahab Muhammad Bauchí
Abuja, Nigeria — The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of regional favoritism and repeated breaches of constitutional principles. The forum cited what it called “heavily skewed” federal appointments that disproportionately favor the South-West region, calling for an urgent review and realignment of government positions to reflect national diversity.
In a strongly worded statement signed by NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the group expressed concern over what it describes as a “systematic pursuit of a sectional agenda” since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. NEF claims that the administration has shown “arbitrary disdain for public opinion, impunity, and lack of accountability to democratic norms.”
NEF emphasized that Nigeria’s federal structure is founded on constitutionalism and inclusiveness, and accused the current administration of undermining both. The forum referenced Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates fair representation of all regions in federal appointments, warning that its continued disregard could destabilize national unity.
Of particular concern to NEF is the recent composition of the National Census Committee, which the forum described as “grossly and blatantly lopsided” in favor of the South-West. NEF argued that the committee’s formation not only marginalizes other regions but also duplicates the statutory responsibilities of the National Population Commission (NPC).
“Historically, national censuses have been sensitive exercises with far-reaching political implications,” the statement read. “Any process that excludes key regions risks undermining the legitimacy and acceptance of the census outcome.”
NEF also raised alarms over what it sees as an unconstitutional process in the committee’s inauguration, reportedly conducted by an official lacking the constitutional authority to do so—thereby bypassing key offices such as the Vice-President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Demands and Warning
The Forum issued the following demands:
- Immediate disbanding of the Census Committee.
- A comprehensive and equitable review of all federal appointments made since 2023.
- Adherence to the Federal Character Principle in all future appointments.
- Greater oversight by the National Assembly to ensure executive accountability and rule of law.
NEF concluded with a stern warning that continued exclusionary governance “breeds resentment, deepens divisions, and could fuel avoidable instability,” urging the administration to correct its course for the sake of national cohesion.
“Nigeria is a diverse nation bound by a common destiny. Preserving its unity requires leadership that is fair, inclusive, and guided by the rule of law,” the statement said.
The group reminded the government that President Tinubu’s electoral victory was powered by votes across all regions, particularly from the North, and as such, no part of the country should be treated unfairly in the governance process.