Key Takeaways
- Northern Women Ulama from all 19 states have officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election.
- Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani highlighted Tinubu's 'inclusive governance' and 'detribalised' approach as key motivators.
- The endorsement is rooted in verifiable achievements across education, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
- Northern Nigeria has reportedly benefited over 60% from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiatives.
- The Ulama's support is based on tangible progress, not sentiment or personal gain, according to Governor Sani.
In a significant political development, influential Northern Nigerian Women Ulama have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid for a second term. The endorsement, announced at a stakeholders' engagement in Kaduna, underscores the perceived impact of the President's policies on the region, particularly in critical sectors like education and infrastructure.
A Resounding Endorsement from Northern Leaders
The event, held at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Conference Centre on Sunday, saw delegates representing millions of members from all 19 northern states converge to express their support. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the host, articulated the Ulama's position, stating that their endorsement was not based on sentiment or selfish reasons, but rather on President Tinubu's demonstrable achievements for Nigeria and Northern Nigeria specifically.
“They made their point clear through their leaders. They are not endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu based on sentiments or some selfish reasons. It is simply because of what he has done for Nigeria and for Northern Nigeria in particular,” Governor Sani affirmed. The gathering, organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, also saw the attendance of other prominent figures, including Governors Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, and Professor Babagana Zulum of Borno, alongside Ministers of Defence and Housing, Alhaji Bello Matawalle and Engr Muttaqa Rabe Darma, respectively.
Achievements Driving the Support
Governor Sani elaborated on the specific areas that garnered the Ulama's support, citing President Tinubu's 'giant strides' in education, infrastructural development, healthcare, and agriculture. He particularly emphasized the administration's commitment to education, a sector deemed crucial for bridging existing gaps in Northern Nigeria.
“Most importantly, he has invested a lot in education, which is the most important area of focus in Northern Nigeria. You will agree with me that the gap that exists in the north is very wide,” Governor Sani noted. He highlighted significant investments in both conventional and skills-based education through initiatives like the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). According to the Governor, data from these programs indicate that Northern Nigeria has benefited to the tune of over 60%, a statistic he presented as evidence of President Tinubu's 'detribalised' leadership and belief in a unified Nigeria without discrimination.
Inclusive Governance and National Unity
The Ulama, through Governor Sani, praised President Tinubu's inclusive approach, noting that he 'has been able to treat every part of Nigeria equally, with fairness, and has been taking development to every part of Nigeria.' This perception of equitable development and a focus on national unity appears to be a cornerstone of their endorsement. Governor Sani further asserted that the North has benefited more under President Tinubu's leadership than any previous leader in Nigeria's history, promising data and statistics to substantiate this claim. He also critiqued politicians who campaign on regional divides, labeling their arguments as 'lazy' and pointing out their past failures to deliver substantial benefits to the North despite having opportunities.
Why This Matters
The public endorsement from such a significant and influential demographic as the Northern Women Ulama carries substantial weight in Nigeria's political landscape. It signals a potentially strong grassroots support base for President Tinubu's future political aspirations, particularly within a region critical for electoral success, and reinforces the administration's narrative of impactful, inclusive governance.