By The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of unfairness and regional bias in its federal appointments since assuming office in 2023.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja, NEF’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jiddere, alleged that the appointments have disproportionately favoured the South-West, sidelining the remaining five geopolitical zones.
“This pattern of exclusion not only undermines national unity, it blatantly violates the federal character principle enshrined in Chapter 2, Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution,” Jiddere stated.
The Forum expressed particular discontent with the composition of the National Census Committee, describing it as “grossly lopsided” and appearing to “systematically exclude other key regions.”
“The conduct of a national census is a critical and sensitive matter,” NEF said. “Any attempt to marginalise or suppress other regions risks undermining the legitimacy and national acceptance of the census outcome.”
Calling the situation a “clear affront to democratic values,” NEF demanded the immediate reconstitution of the Census Committee to include all six geopolitical zones and a broad review of federal appointments to reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
The statement warned that continued neglect of equity and inclusion could fuel resentment and instability.
“A divided nation cannot move forward. Nigeria’s unity can only be preserved by leadership that is just, inclusive, and guided by constitutional values,” NEF concluded.
