Former senator and human rights advocate Shehu Sani has thrown his support behind President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, while sharply criticising previous Northern leaders for failing to drive progress in the region.

Speaking to journalists at his Kaduna home, Sani emphasized that the North had wielded significant political power in recent years but failed to use that advantage to develop the region meaningfully.

He accused some former Northern officeholders of stoking resentment against Tinubu for their own gain.

“For those of us from this part (North) of the country, we appreciate the progress made so far by this present government,” Sani said.

“And for those of them who had the opportunity to do better and they failed, we tell them that it is better they apologize for the wrong they have done to the people of the North.”

He warned the Northern populace against being manipulated by such politicians, stressing the importance of unity and continued support for the current administration.

“They should not be incited against the President who had supported our own for eight years in power,” he said. “I have heard a lot of comments and remarks that are linked to tribal sentiments.”

Sani cited recent political history, noting that the North-West has produced two presidents since 1999, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari.

He highlighted that the South-West had consistently backed Northern candidates and should now be allowed to complete its own presidential tenure.

“So it is only logical that we allow the South to complete their eight years in power for the peace, unity, and for the survival of our democracy,” he stated.

“And even if there should be another presidential candidate from the opposition, that candidate should be from the Southwest because that is equity, justice, and that is fairness.”

He accused certain unnamed Northern politicians of self-interest, arguing that their criticism of the Tinubu administration stems from exclusion rather than genuine concern for the region.

“Such elements are crying foul for no reason other than that they have been excluded from government,” he said.

“Their grievances are about their own personal interests and not about the people, not about the North, not about the masses, not about insecurity and governance.”

Reflecting on the security situation under the previous administration, Sani pointed out that despite Northern dominance in key security positions, there was little headway in tackling terrorism and banditry.

“Under the last administration, all the security apparatuses are of Northern extraction,” he recalled.

“They never stopped terrorism in the North, they never stopped banditry in Northwest, they never stopped killings in Benue State, in Plateau, and most parts of North Central states. We need to be very factual about it.”

He also highlighted the substantial representation of Northerners in President Tinubu’s cabinet, mentioning key roles like the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Health, Defense, Transport, Environment, Agriculture, and the Chief of Defense Staff.

“For us in the Northern part of the country, we are very much glad, particularly the people from Kaduna State,” he said.

Acknowledging that insecurity still poses challenges, Sani noted that conditions have improved under the current administration, especially in parts of Kaduna.

“Bandits are still killing people, they are kidnapping people in Katsina State, they are still doing that in Zamfara State,” he admitted.

“But if we are going to compare it to where we are coming from, I think things are better.”

He cited the now-safer Birnin Gwari road, which had previously seen relentless attacks.

“Banditry happened every hour, not every day for eight years along Birnin Gwari road. Now people can travel day and night,” he said.

“When last did you hear an attack since the attack on Kuriga school? When last did you hear an attack on any school in the state?”

Sani also pointed to recent federal investments in Kaduna State, including a new medical centre, a federal university in Southern Kaduna, and increased funding for the Kaduna–Abuja highway.

“We have seen many things that were brought in, and we only demand more,” he added.

“But my message is also to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that more should be done in terms of addressing challenges in the Northern part of Nigeria, and critics should be listened to, and where there is lies, it should be responded to. And this country will be great if there is development in all parts of Nigeria.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he enjoys stepping on the toes of influential individuals who defy the law.

Wike made this statement during a media chat in Abuja, where he reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure that all property owners in the nation’s capital fulfill their financial obligations by paying ground rent or face penalties.

The former Governor of Rivers State also directed criticism at key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Bode George.

He emphasized that the PDP must pay the outstanding ground rent for its national secretariat in Abuja.

Wike took aim at former FCT ministers, including the current Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, accusing them of lacking the will to confront politically powerful figures who are defaulting on ground rent payments.

“Look at what we are doing differently. People have said that FCT was not working (but) now it is working, which means I’m doing things that they (past FCT ministers) refused to do,” Wike said.

“I found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes, but I take joy when I step on the toes of big men; those who say nothing will happen, but I say something will happen. It makes me happy.

“All they want me to do is to make decisions against poor people saying nothing will happen to them, but I say something will happen. That is why we making results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.”

Wike’s administration had earlier published the names of 9,000 property owners who have defaulted on ground rent payments, warning them to settle their debts to avoid forfeiture of their properties.

Following this, on May 23, 2025, the FCT Administration announced plans to reclaim roughly 5,000 properties with rent debts spanning from 10 to 43 years.

The crackdown included the sealing of some properties, including the PDP national secretariat.

However, President Bola Tinubu later intervened, granting a 14-day grace period for all defaulters to pay up their outstanding debts and penalties.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said that his decision on whether to seek re-election in 2027 will only come after seeking divine direction.

Speaking at the Sam Ihesiulor Stadium in Okpuala Ngwa during a ceremony organized by the Oha Isiala Ngwa People from Isiala Ngwa North and South local government areas, Otti expressed gratitude for the support shown to him but stressed that the future remains in God’s hands.

His remarks were conveyed in a statement by his spokesperson, Njoku Ukoha.

“Just like 2023 was in the hands of God, 2027 will also be in the hands of God,” the governor said.

“So, while I thank you for this endorsement because I see it as an endorsement of what has been achieved so far, I also thank you for making predictions.

“I would only say that, I would go back and consult with my God. And as time goes on, my response will be made public. Because, as I said the other day, I know my people are waiting.”

Governor Otti also spoke about the administration’s focused investment in Aba, describing it as a critical strategy to drive the economic transformation of the entire state.

“Our concentration on Aba is because we do know that Aba can generate revenue for us to develop other parts of the state,” he stated.

“Aba occupies a prime place in our strategy because that is our major commercial hub. Not just for Abia, but the South-East and South-South.”

He reiterated that his government is committed to inclusive governance, with projects spread across all parts of the state.

He noted that the Mgboko–Ntigha road project is expected to be completed by December.

Otti also addressed the concerns surrounding the location of the Abia Airport project, affirming that the decision was made on technical grounds, not political influence.

He assured that landowners affected by the project had been fully compensated.

“We are not just building an airport; we are building an airport city. A three or four-star hotel is going to be there, and even the Nigeria Air Force is going to have a base there. There are going to be markets and shopping plazas within the facility.

“We have paid 100 per cent compensation to everybody whose land was affected. If there’s anyone that has not been paid, it is not our fault. Maybe, they provided the wrong account number or there are three or four people struggling for the same space,” he explained.