Political activist and former House of Representatives candidate, Usman Okai-Austin, has accused some northern politicians of exploiting the region’s name to advance personal ambitions rather than genuinely representing the interests of the people.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Thursday, Okai-Austin, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, said no one currently speaks for the North in a unified voice.
“The North has not taken any decision yet. Before we can say it is divided, there has not been any united force or collaborative decision from the North. People are hiding in the name of the North to push their own agenda,” he said.
He argued that claims of a divided northern front ahead of the 2027 presidential race are exaggerated, stressing that past political maneuvers by some leaders were largely self-serving.
Citing examples, Okai-Austin recalled how, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, some northern leaders lobbied for Ahmad Lawan to succeed him, while others like Nasir El-Rufai insisted power should shift south for national balance.
“El-Rufai also promoted the Muslim-Muslim ticket, saying it worked in Kaduna, but many believed he was positioning himself for the vice presidency. When that failed, he was nominated for a ministerial slot, which later collapsed after a petition against him,” he explained.
He further alleged that former Kaduna governor El-Rufai had accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of working against promising northern politicians due to his own 2031 presidential ambition.
Okai-Austin lamented that while leaders jostle for political advantage, northern citizens remain burdened with insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and a high rate of out-of-school children.
“It’s a region that demands comfort and special attention. But instead of addressing these challenges, some leaders exploit the North for personal political gains,” he stated.
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