Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has asserted that the President is entitled to a second term in office, similar to the tenure enjoyed by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking during an interview with Trust Radio on Wednesday, Onanuga addressed criticisms from the Arewa Consultative Forum, describing their claims of marginalisation as a subtle tactic to delegitimise the Southern presidency.
“This President is a Nigerian. He deserves the same two terms that Buhari had. Let’s not sacrifice the country for personal ambition,” he stated.
He urged Northern politicians to exercise patience, reminding them that the South waited its turn under Buhari’s leadership. He dismissed allegations that the Tinubu administration is neglecting the North in terms of appointments and infrastructure, describing the accusations as “politically motivated and rooted in personal ambition.”
Onanuga noted that development challenges persist across the country, not just in the North, and countered claims that the South-West is unduly favoured in federal appointments.
“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 said.
Citing examples of top federal appointments held by Northerners, he stated, “The National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and the two Defence Ministers are all Northerners.”
He also highlighted improved security conditions in parts of Northern Nigeria, specifically Kaduna State.
“Places like Birnin Gwari and Igabi (in Kaduna) are now safer. I drove from Kaduna to Abuja without incident, a journey that was once unthinkable,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing debate over equity in national leadership and appointments, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.
