The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Yabagi Sani, has claimed that some northerners are channeling their frustration with President Bola Tinubuโs administration towards his son, Seyi Tinubu.
According to Sani, the resentment stems from the widespread economic hardship in the North, which many blame on the policies of the current administration.
Speaking on Channels Televisionโs Political Paradigm on Tuesday, Sani argued that the North has suffered โunprecedented povertyโ in the last 22 months since President Tinubu took office in May 2023.
He suggested that Seyi Tinubuโs philanthropic activities, which should ordinarily be seen as goodwill, have instead attracted criticism from some northern figures who perceive them as attempts to cover up the failures of his fatherโs government.
Economic Hardship and Rising Discontent in the North
Saniโs comments highlight the growing discontent in northern Nigeria, where economic struggles have intensified since Tinubu assumed the presidency.
Inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity have worsened, leaving many citizens disillusioned.
The removal of the fuel subsidy in mid-2023, coupled with the naira devaluation and rising cost of living, has disproportionately affected lower-income communities, particularly in the North, where poverty rates were already high.
โThe level of suffering in the North is unprecedented. People cannot feed their families, businesses are collapsing, and insecurity is still a major problem. Many are frustrated with the government, and unfortunately, they are directing their anger not just at Tinubu but at his son, Seyi, who has been involved in various philanthropic gestures,โ Sani said during the interview.
Seyi Tinubuโs Philanthropy Under Scrutiny
Seyi Tinubu, a businessman and philanthropist, has been actively engaging in charitable initiatives, including donations to the less privileged and support for youth empowerment programs.
However, instead of being widely praised, some northerners have criticized his activities, interpreting them as attempts to mask the governmentโs failures.
โThis kind of philanthropy is viewed with suspicion. People are asking, โWhy is he giving out food and money when his fatherโs government should be creating jobs and making life easier for everyone?โโ Sani explained.
The ADP chairman argued that philanthropy should not replace sustainable government policies that address fundamental economic issues. He emphasized that Nigerians, especially in the North, want systemic change rather than temporary relief through private donations.
Political Underpinnings of the Criticism
Some analysts believe that the backlash against Seyi Tinubuโs charitable activities is politically motivated.
Opposition figures and critics of the Tinubu administration have leveraged the economic crisis to question the legitimacy of the governmentโs policies and its ability to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Moreover, some political elites in the North have long been skeptical of Tinubuโs presidency, arguing that it does not adequately represent their interests.
The 2023 election saw a significant divide between the North and the South, with Tinubu relying heavily on southern votes and alliances with northern political heavyweights like former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and Vice President Kashim Shettima to secure victory.
Political observers suggest that the resentment towards Seyi Tinubu is an extension of this underlying division. Some critics believe that Seyi is benefiting from his fatherโs position, while others see his charity as an attempt to soften the negative perception of the administration.
A Pattern of Political Frustration
This is not the first time that the family members of a sitting Nigerian president have faced criticism due to economic hardship. During former President Muhammadu Buhariโs tenure, his wife, Aisha Buhari, was frequently criticized for displaying opulence while many Nigerians struggled with poverty and economic downturns.
Similarly, during Goodluck Jonathanโs administration, his wife, Patience Jonathan, was often embroiled in controversies related to government policies and public perception.
What This Means for Tinubuโs Administration
The growing frustration in the North poses a significant challenge for President Tinubu, who needs to maintain national unity while addressing pressing economic issues. If the economic situation does not improve, the criticism against his government and family members could intensify, further eroding his political support base.
Sani advised the government to take urgent steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, particularly in the North, where unemployment, insecurity, and inflation have reached critical levels.
โThis government needs to focus on policies that bring real economic relief. Instead of temporary handouts, we need job creation, investment in agriculture, and efforts to stabilize the currency,โ he said.
The criticism of Seyi Tinubu underscores the deep economic and political frustrations currently gripping the North.
Whether the government takes proactive steps to address these concerns or continues with its current approach remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: economic hardship is fueling tensions, and the Tinubu administration must act swiftly to prevent further political fallout
