The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address what it describes as a “lopsided” pattern in federal appointments that disproportionately benefits the South-West region, undermining Nigeria’s diversity and constitutional order.

In a statement issued on Friday, the NEF demanded the immediate disbandment of the newly inaugurated National Census Committee, citing concerns over its unclear mandate and the unauthorized involvement of individuals during the inauguration.

The forum expressed its discontent with what it sees as a regional agenda pursued by the Tinubu administration since it took office in May 2023, warning that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s democratic integrity and unity.

NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of all federal appointments to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Jiddere remarked, “NEF has observed with much dismay and regret that since its coming to office, this administration has created some anomalies in the philosophy of governance, characterized by arbitrary disdain for public opinion, a sense of impunity, and lack of accountability.”

He further reminded the government and the Nigerian public that the federal system is based on two core principles: constitutionalism and inclusiveness.

“Our democracy is underpinned by the Federal Character Principle enshrined in our constitution. Therefore, all appointments into federal offices and the citing of federal projects must reflect these principles,” he added.

The NEF also pointed out that Nigeria’s democracy is founded on a social contract between the state and its people, as outlined in Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution.

They criticized the newly formed National Census Committee, calling it “grossly and blatantly lopsided in favour of the South-West,” undermining the integrity of the census process.”

“The forum warned that ignoring the principles of equity, justice, and inclusivity could jeopardize Nigeria’s unity.

Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, the NEF reminded the Tinubu administration that the 2023 electoral victory was achieved with significant support from the North, and that this support should serve as a guiding principle in federal appointments.

“This should not be a reason to alienate other regions,” the forum emphasized.

NEF called for a “holistic review and equitable redistribution” of all federal appointments made to date across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring compliance with the principles of national diversity and constitutional fairness..

Despite the ongoing concerns over the mass defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including the departure of several prominent figures from Delta State, party stalwart and Board of Trustees member Chief Bode George remains confident that the PDP will bounce back stronger after its forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, set for May 15.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, George addressed the mass exodus of party members, particularly from Delta State, including the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and all 25 local government chairmen in the state.

Although analysts have described this as a “tsunami,” George insisted that the PDP remains resilient.

“A date has been fixed for our NEC meeting and after that meeting, you will see that this same Iroko tree, the political Iroko tree, will bounce back,” George declared.

He condemned the defections from Delta as “despicable” and a “lack of respect for a platform that honoured you,” voicing his disappointment in what he sees as self-serving political moves.

When questioned about the significance of high-profile defections such as Okowa’s, who was the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the last general election, George dismissed the impact.

“It is an experience. We have gone through this before. It is not a threat. Because something happened doesn’t mean it is fixated or it is finality,” he remarked.

George further argued that although the All Progressives Congress (APC) has benefited from these defections, it does not offer a viable alternative for Nigerians.

“There is hunger in the land. There is anger in the land. What do you think they are going to do there? If it is not a personal embellishment, what are they going to do there?” he questioned.

While acknowledging the apparent damage caused by the defections, he remained optimistic that the party will recover, as it has done in the past.

“We will come up with a suggested solution which will be unanimous. These challenges we are facing now will further strengthen us,” George concluded.

He also warned about the potential consequences of electoral manipulation in future elections, stating, “If we lose, we hands off. But if we win and you manipulate the results, you are looking for an unimaginable conflagration. And we cannot afford that.”

Despite the challenges, George maintained that the PDP is far from finished.

The candidate for the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election, Paul Chukwuma, officially introduced Uzo Okagbue as his running mate during an event on Friday.

The unveiling took place at the YPP Secretariat in Udoka Housing Estate, Awka.

Okagbue, hailing from the Umunnachi community in Dunukofia Local Government Area, previously served as the Chief Protocol Officer to the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano.

Chukwuma explained that Okagbue’s selection followed extensive consultations with God, his family, clergy, party officials, and other key stakeholders across all 21 local government areas of Anambra State.

“We are confident that with Okagbue as our running mate and his long-time grassroots mobilization experience, the YPP is fully prepared to unseat the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo,” he stated.

He added, “Okagbue is the right fit for our progressive vision for Anambra State. His selection is based on thoughtful discussions with relevant stakeholders.”

In his acceptance speech, Okagbue expressed his gratitude for being chosen and vowed to apply his political strategies to ensure the party’s success in the November election.

He also stated that the YPP was determined to take over governance in the state from March 17, 2026.

“I am deeply thankful to the party for trusting me with this position, and I will work tirelessly to ensure our victory,” Okagbue said.

The event was attended by various party supporters and was officiated by the State Chairman, Moses Obi.

Okagbue, who graduated with a degree in Political Science from the University of Abuja, completed his National Youth Service Corps year before securing a position with a new-generation bank.

He worked with the bank until 2022, when he resigned voluntarily to focus on his private businesses after the end of Governor Obiano’s tenure.