Former Senator Shehu Sani has countered growing narratives of regional favoritism in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that both the North and South-West have been the greatest beneficiaries of political appointments and federal projects under the current and past governments.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Sani stated:
“Under the immediate past and present administration, the North West and the South West regions are the highest beneficiaries of political appointments and projects.
Those who are saying the ‘North’ is disfavoured against the ‘South’ are deliberately distorting this reality.
The match is not yet half time, wait for more goals or penalties.”
Key Context:
Sani’s comments appear to respond to claims from Northern political groups and critics alleging marginalization in Tinubu’s federal appointments.
His remarks also align with recent rebuttals from Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, who defended Tinubu’s record on Northern inclusion in security and ministerial positions.
This debate was intensified after Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Tinubu’s former political adviser, reminded critics that the North has historically supported Southern presidential candidates, including MKO Abiola in 1993.
Why It Matters:
Sani’s statement adds weight to the argument that perceptions of ethnic or regional exclusion in Nigeria’s federal politics often overlook broader patterns of power-sharing between dominant blocs like the North-West and South-West. His call to “wait for more goals or penalties” also implies that judgment should be reserved until Tinubu’s tenure progresses further.
