Former National Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Usman Bugaje, has claimed that Northern Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing economic hardship and governance concerns.
Speaking during an interview on SYMFONI’s Niger Unfiltered, Bugaje discussed Nigeria’s political climate and preparations for the 2027 general elections, arguing that public frustration in the North has reached an unprecedented level.
“The North has never been as angry with any government like this particular government,” he said, attributing the discontent to worsening economic conditions and what many citizens perceive as a lack of direction in governance.
Bugaje argued that Nigeria’s democracy has become centred on personalities rather than ideas, lamenting that political parties no longer present clear policy alternatives. He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it lacks well-defined positions on key issues, including agriculture, science and technology, infrastructure, and social development.
Drawing comparisons with political parties in Germany, France, and Britain, Bugaje said established democracies are driven by clear ideologies and policy priorities, making it easier for voters to understand their programmes.
He also alleged that democratic institutions are being weakened, citing the recent Court of Appeal judgment involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of broader concerns about Nigeria’s democracy.
Bugaje urged political leaders to strengthen institutional independence, embrace issue-based politics, and prioritise national development, warning that growing public frustration—particularly in the North—should not be ignored.
