Umar Ardo warns Tinubu of losing northern votes over unfulfilled promises

DDM News

(DDM) – Prominent northern political figure and convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Umar Ardo, has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cautioning that continued neglect of the region’s pressing issues could cost him vital northern support in the 2027 presidential election.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered from an ARISE News report on Monday, August 11, 2025, that Ardo acknowledged the North’s deep-rooted socio-economic challenges existed long before Tinubu took office.

However, he stressed that the President had campaigned on promises to address these problems, yet his administration’s policies had worsened the situation.

According to Ardo, while the North will not blame Tinubu for originating the region’s poverty, insecurity, and unemployment, the President’s failure to resolve these problems, and his adoption of controversial measures, has compounded the suffering.

He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies as a critical misstep, arguing that although economic reforms can be necessary, the poor execution of such policies has fueled inflation, food scarcity, and hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

Ardo also accused the Tinubu administration of marginalizing the North in key federal appointments and neglecting critical regional projects, despite campaign assurances to prioritise northern development.

“Well, you know, I will not blame President Tinubu for the suffering and the poverty in the country, especially in the North,” Ardo stated.

“The North will not blame him as a whole. Before he came, these issues were there. He came with a view to resolving these issues.

His failure to resolve these issues is the problem. So he needs to resolve these issues. Not only has he not resolved these issues, but he has also compounded them with certain policies.”

Ardo emphasised that unless Tinubu swiftly adopts corrective measures, such as inclusive governance, equitable distribution of projects, and immediate economic relief programs, northern voters might withdraw their support in the next election cycle.

He further warned that public patience is wearing thin, with many citizens interpreting current economic hardships as a betrayal of the President’s campaign commitments.

Political analysts note that the North played a pivotal role in Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory, with the region delivering a significant share of the votes that secured his presidency.

However, they caution that maintaining this support requires tangible progress in tackling insecurity, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.

As the 2027 race begins to take shape, voices like Ardo’s may amplify growing discontent among northern communities, potentially reshaping the political alliances that have defined Nigeria’s recent elections.