As 2027 presidential election approaches, there is significant and growing discontent in Northern Nigeria regarding the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, which many in the region feel has caused severe hardship. While the North was crucial to Tinubu’s 2023 victory, providing a high percentage of his total votes, residents and some leaders are now expressing regret and anger over the rising cost of living, high inflation, and economic challenges,
The removal of the subsidy, coupled with the devaluation of the naira, has led to intense economic pressure on households and businesses in the North.
Some stakeholders have vowed that the region would not support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, with accusation that the administration is “anti-North”.
Some northern leaders have publicly criticised the administration, warning that the hardship could spark a major crisis.
Discussions are emerging about shifting support away from the APC and President Tinubu in 2027 to other parties or candidates, such as the Social Democratic Party,ADP, Actions Democratic party ADP or others, as frustration grows, with some even calling for “another northerner” in 2027.
“T-Pain” Moniker:
Critics in the region have, at times, referred to the President as “T-Pain” due to the increased costs of living and economic misery.
There are also voices, including some northern elders and politicians, who argue the subsidy removal was a necessary, long-overdue economic step and that benefits will arrive in time, even if the current situation is
[18/04, 4:56 pm] akomboaondona34: Key northern individuals and groups that expressed opposition or strong criticism include:
Northern Youth Council of Nigeria:
This group warned against the removal of the fuel subsidy, threatening to resist the move, and expressing concern over the potential for increased suffering.
Arewa Youth Ambassadors: This group, part of the broader northern youth movement, called for the return of the fuel subsidy, attributing the economic crisis and hardships in the region to this “anti-people” policy.
Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG):
The coalition has expressed strong disapproval of the subsidy removal and other economic policies, noting that they have exacerbated economic challenges in the region.
Northern Elders Forum (NEF):
While they have been more vocal recently about tax reforms, the NEF has consistently expressed concerns over the economic plight of the North under the current administration’s reforms.
Specific Political Critics:
Rabiu Kwankwaso: The 2023 New Nigerian People party presidential candidate and former Governor of Kano State has criticized the administration’s policies, arguing that they have neglected the region.
Nasir El-Rufai: The former Governor of Kaduna State has been reported to express high disapproval of the administration within the North, often in the context of the economic hardship faced their region.
These groups and individuals have often emphasized that the abrupt removal of the subsidy significantly increased the cost of living for residents in the North, leading to increased poverty and reduced purchasing power.
Fuel subsidy removal, specifically the 2023 removal in Nigeria, is highly impactful, causing immediate, widespread, and mostly negative short-term economic consequences, while offering potential long-term fiscal benefits. The removal led to a spike in fuel prices (from N185 to over N1,000 per liter), triggering high inflation, increased transportation costs, and reduced purchasing power, which disproportionately affects lower-income households and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The immediate result of subsidy removal is a sharp increase in the price of fuel, which directly correlates to higher costs for transportation, food, and goods.
The removal causes an immediate rise in poverty and vulnerability, with projections suggesting that the cost-of-living crisis could drive millions more into poverty.
SMEs, which depend on fuel for generators and logistics due to unstable electricity, face higher operating costs, leading to reduced profit margins, business closures, and job losses.
On the positive side, the removal has checked the unsustainable drain on public finances, saving the government trillions of naira, which can theoretically be redirected into critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Removing the subsidy is expected to stop the smuggling of fuel to neighboring countries and reduce the corruption associated with subsidy payments.
Experts has emphasized the need for transparency in the management of saved funds and the provision of effective palliatives to protect vulnerable populations.
