North backs Tinubu’s presidency as Minister Atiku Bagudu dismisses marginalisation claims and touts economic and institutional reforms under current government
The North backs Tinubu’s presidency, and has no reason to regret its support for President Bola Tinubu, according to the Minister of National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.
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Speaking in Kaduna on Wednesday at a Government-Citizen Engagement Forum hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Bagudu stated that the region is neither marginalised nor excluded from the Tinubu administration.
The event, themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,” brought together leaders from the 19 Northern states and Abuja for a two-day dialogue focused on national development and accountability.
Dismissing claims of Northern exclusion, the former Kebbi State governor insisted that the Tinubu administration is built on merit and inclusion.
“This is a government of merit and inclusion. Every member of his team feels equally valued, regardless of origin,” Bagudu said.
“There is no exclusion, and there is no basis for regret.”
Bagudu emphasised that the President’s appointments and policies reflect a commitment to national unity rather than sectional interest.
“President Tinubu is a nationalist. His choices are not based on political patronage or ethnicity but on competence and vision,” he said.
He also urged Northern leaders to resist “divisive narratives” suggesting marginalisation.
He explained that ministers from the North are not only visible but actively involved in decision-making.
“Those of us privileged to be part of President Tinubu’s team are vigilant and committed to protecting the interest of the North,” he added.
Bagudu praised the administration’s economic reforms, noting that Tinubu inherited a broken economy reliant on borrowing and unsustainable subsidies.
“It was a tragic situation. We were subsidising what we couldn’t even pay for,” he said.
There is no exclusion, and there is no basis for regret.
He listed the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange liberalisation, and improved revenue allocation as tough but necessary decisions.
Citing progress, he highlighted how states are benefitting from these reforms. “Take Adamawa State, for example. In May 2023, it received N9.76 billion in federal allocation. By June 2025, that figure had increased to N22.73 billion,” Bagudu said, illustrating growing fiscal strength across regions.
He also pointed to strategic institutional reforms, such as the restoration of the Budget Office to the Ministry of National Planning, and the creation of new ministries like Livestock Development, Arts and Culture, and the Blue Economy.
“These are not cosmetic changes. They are strategic steps to promote national development and broaden inclusion,” he said.
According to Bagudu, the administration is now shifting from macroeconomic stabilisation to inclusive growth.
“We are prioritising poverty reduction and economic diversification across all zones,” he said, calling the government’s work “a covenant of progress built on loyalty to Nigeria and to the North.”
He urged Northern stakeholders to play a more active role in shaping national policies.
“We must articulate our needs, lobby our lawmakers, and ensure our priorities are reflected in national plans,” he said.
Bagudu also referenced growing global confidence in Nigeria, noting that institutional endorsements and investor interest are returning.
“There are signs of investment, institutional approval, and renewed global belief in Nigeria’s reform trajectory,” he added.
Concluding, the Minister said that the Tinubu administration’s performance thus far is more than a scorecard.
Also read: Northern Leaders Critically Assess Tinubu’s Performance in Kaduna
“This is just the beginning. Let us build on it. Let us work together for a North that is secure, productive, and empowered—within a strong and united Nigeria,” he said.
