The North Is Not Marginalised: Facts That Shatter A Dangerous Political Myth

A narrative is being pushed across Nigeria with striking force as 2027 approaches: that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has deliberately marginalised the North.

It’s emotional. It’s easy to share. But does it match the facts?

#### HARDHIP IS NOT THE SAME AS HATRED
The North is facing real challenges. Insecurity, poverty, food prices, and slow projects. These are genuine grievances that deserve answers. 
But hardship is not the same thing as hatred. Disappointment is not discrimination.

#### THE NUMBERS THEY PREFER TO IGNORE
According to Federal Character Commission data:
**NORTH: 401 appointments (56.3%)**
- North-West: 157
- North-Central: 139 
- North-East: 105

**SOUTH: 311 appointments (43.7%)**
- South-West: 132
- South-South: 91
- South-East: 88

Key positions held by Northerners:
- **VP**: Senator Kashim Shettima - Borno
- **NSA**: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu - Adamawa  
- **SGF**: Senator George Akume - Benue

Exclusion? The data says otherwise.

#### INFRASTRUCTURE THAT REFUSES TO VANISH
Claims that "nothing is being done in the North" ignore major federal projects:
1. **Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway**
2. **Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway**
3. **Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria Corridor**
4. **Kano–Maiduguri Road**
5. **Kaduna–Kano Railway**
6. **Kano–Maradi Railway**
7. **Major Power Transmission Projects**
8. **Northern Bypass & Commercial Corridors**

Hundreds of billions invested. Thousands of jobs created.

#### EDUCATION & AGRICULTURE
- **NELFUND**: Over 1 million students benefiting nationwide, including large numbers from the North
- **TETFund**: Continues funding universities, polytechnics and colleges across northern states
- **Agriculture**: Irrigation, fertiliser, mechanisation and value-chain programmes ongoing for food security

#### THE REAL CONVERSATION: DELIVERY, NOT DIVISION
No one is saying there are no problems. Security must improve. Food prices must come down. Projects must be completed faster.

But we must separate legitimate criticism from manufactured division. 
Nigeria belongs to every region. The Presidency belongs to the federation.

**CRITICISE WHERE NECESSARY. DEMAND BETTER DELIVERY. BUT REJECT LIES. REJECT DIVISION.**

This is our country. Let’s build it together on facts, not fear.

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*Article by Otunba (Dr.) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo, National Chairman AATSG*