Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has come to the defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid criticism from northern groups, insisting the President deserves a second term in office just as his predecessor, the late Muhammadu Buhari, did.
In an interview with Trust Radio on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, dismissed recent statements by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) accusing the Tinubu administration of marginalising the North. He described the allegations as politically driven and aimed at destabilising the current southern-led presidency.
“This President is a Nigerian. He deserves the same two terms that Buhari had. Let’s not sacrifice the country for personal ambition,” Onanuga said, urging northern politicians to exercise patience, much like southerners did during Buhari’s eight-year rule.
Addressing concerns about lopsided federal appointments and underdevelopment in northern states, Onanuga argued that the issues are national in scope and not exclusive to any region. He called on critics to rely on accurate statistics rather than broad claims.
“You need to get your statistics right. It’s all political mischief designed to undermine the President. There are bad roads across the country, not just in the North,” he added.
He also highlighted that top security positions in the current administration are held by northerners, including the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and both Defence Ministers, which, according to him, proves Tinubu\’s commitment to balanced governance.
Onanuga further noted improvements in security in parts of the North, particularly in Kaduna State. He cited a recent personal journey from Kaduna to Abuja, stating the route had become safer.
“Places like Birnin Gwari and Igabi are now safer. I drove from Kaduna to Abuja without incident, a journey that was once unthinkable,” he said.
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