Afakriya Gadzama writes that marginalised communities across the federation have a critical role to play in shaping Nigeria’s political future as 2027 general poll approaches. He argues that sustained backing for the current administration is essential to consolidating inclusive governance, deepening national development, and addressing long-standing challenges of social exclusion, economic hardship, and insecurity facing the nation.
My last article examined how President Bola Tinubu has made remarkable inroads into the northern parts of the country. The article was by no means exhaustive; however, it attracted reactions from many readers. The most instructive responses came from some of my professional colleagues and other commentators who felt that I should have been more comprehensive in explaining the reasons President Tinubu has made such tremendous political gains in the North—an area which, prior to his emergence as President, was considered largely beyond his reach.
A university classmate, who has been a key player in previous governments and is a respected political commentator and scholar, while agreeing with the central thrust of my argument, observed that I failed to adequately highlight the growing influence of groups that have long been alienated and suppressed by successive governments at both state and national levels.