One-On-One With Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin | Politics Today | Channels Television

The Northern Equation and Nigeria’s Political Future: A Deep Dive with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin

In a riveting one-on-one interview on Channels Television’s PoliticsToday, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, former House of Representatives member and Chair of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, offered a candid, layered perspective on the state of Nigeria’s politics, the dynamics within the North, and the trajectory of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Jibrin began by dispelling the notion that he had been politically dormant, asserting that his engagement has remained consistent, albeit more strategic. He addressed the speculation surrounding Rabiu Kwankwaso’s potential defection to the APC, emphasizing that while discussions remain open, vested interests within Kano’s APC, particularly those with gubernatorial ambitions, may be resisting the merger. Jibrin advocated for a government of national unity, stressing that political stability in Kano is essential for national cohesion.

The conversation pivoted to the broader northern political landscape, where Jibrin passionately challenged the narrative that the North has been shortchanged in power rotation. He argued that since independence in 1960, the North has held power for approximately 39 years, compared to the South’s 28. He criticized the tendency to count from 1999, calling it a historical erasure that insults past northern leaders. This framing, he warned, fuels a false sense of marginalization and undermines unity.

Jibrin’s most striking commentary came when he dissected the myth of northern unity. He lamented that the North has historically “united against itself,” citing examples from Gowon to Atiku Abubakar, where internal sabotage eclipsed regional solidarity. He called for introspection among northern elites, urging them to stop the cycle of internal destruction and instead harness the region’s vast resources, fertile land, minerals, and population, for development.

On President Tinubu, Jibrin was unequivocal in his support. He described Tinubu as mentally sound and strategically astute, asserting that the president has laid a solid economic foundation by halting domestic borrowing and stabilizing the economy. He dismissed criticisms that blame Tinubu for Nigeria’s longstanding challenges, arguing that it is unfair to hold a two-year administration accountable for decades of systemic decay.

However, the interview did not shy away from controversy. Jibrin addressed the growing calls for Vice President Kashim Shettima’s replacement ahead of 2027. He warned that such a move would reopen divisive debates around religious balance and regional representation, potentially destabilizing the APC’s internal structure. He urged the president to resist such pressures, framing Shettima as a “committee of one” capable of delivering results.

Yet, despite the depth of the discussion, several perspectives were conspicuously absent. The interview lacked voices from civil society, youth movements, and marginalized communities who bear the brunt of Nigeria’s economic and security crises. There was little interrogation of how Tinubu’s reforms tangibly affect everyday Nigerians, beyond macroeconomic indicators. The conversation also sidestepped the role of media accountability and the need for institutional reforms to ensure transparency and justice.

To move forward, Nigeria must embrace a multi-stakeholder dialogue that includes not just political heavyweights but also grassroots voices. The North must confront its internal fractures and invest in human capital, education, and infrastructure. Political actors should prioritize inclusive governance over power consolidation. And while Jibrin’s optimism about Tinubu’s leadership is notable, it must be matched with measurable outcomes that improve lives, not just rhetoric.

Ultimately, the interview was a masterclass in political realism, but the path to national renewal demands more than strategic alliances, it requires moral courage, institutional integrity, and a collective commitment to equity.