The presidency says President Bola Tinubu should be given the chance to complete a second term in office, just like former President Muhammadu Buhari did. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, made this known during an interview with Trust Radio, urging northern politicians to allow the South finish its time in power.

He reminded critics that the South waited patiently through Buhari’s eight years and called recent claims of marginalisation by the Arewa Consultative Forum an attempt to paint the Tinubu administration in a bad light. Onanuga argued that many of the attacks on the President are rooted in regional bias and not based on facts.

“This president is a Nigerian, and he deserves the same opportunity Buhari had. Let’s not let personal ambition tear the country apart,” he said. Addressing the criticism that federal appointments are favouring the Southwest, Onanuga challenged those making the claims to bring evidence and not rely on vague accusations.

He also dismissed worries about poor infrastructure in the North, saying Tinubu’s government inherited many unfinished and abandoned projects. Onanuga pointed to the appointment of key security positions held by Northerners as proof that the administration is fair in its representation.

Additionally, he added that security has improved in some parts of the North, including Birnin Gwari and Igabi in Kaduna, sharing that he recently drove from Kaduna to Abuja without any issues, a journey that used to be risky.