Elder statesman and founding National Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Usman Bugaje, says public dissatisfaction with the Federal Government has reached unprecedented levels across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Bugaje said, “The North has never been as angry with any government as it is with this particular government,” attributing the frustration to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and what many residents see as the government’s failure to tackle key national challenges.
He said many communities in the region continue to face banditry, kidnappings, and displacement, while rising living costs have placed additional pressure on millions of Nigerians. According to him, many citizens have yet to experience meaningful improvements despite repeated government assurances.
Bugaje also expressed concern over what he described as the weakening of democratic institutions, alleging that opposition parties and public institutions face increasing political pressure. He argued that political parties should clearly define their economic and social philosophies to enable voters make informed choices.
He urged Nigeria’s political elite and civil society to play a more active role in defending democratic values, warning that continued silence could erode public trust further. He added that restoring confidence in government would require transparency, accountability, and policies that directly address insecurity, poverty, and governance challenges.
