Northerners kept quiet under Buhari but are now complaining under Tinubu — Shehu Sani
By OUR REPORTER
“Many have, however, challenged this position, arguing that available records provide evidence that Buhari was more proactive than both his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, and his successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in several key areas of governance.”
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has criticised some Northern leaders for allegedly remaining silent over insecurity during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari but openly complaining about the security situation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sani argued that some Northern politicians and influential figures who had condemned the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity appeared less vocal when Buhari, a Northerner, became president.
The former lawmaker’s comments have reignited debate over political accountability, regional loyalty and the responsibility of public figures to speak out against insecurity, irrespective of the political party or region of the president in power.
According to a Nigerian Tribune published on October 17, 2026, Sani drew attention to the abduction of schoolchildren in several Northern communities during Buhari’s administration, including Dapchi, Jangebe, Kagara and Yauri.
He argued that the security challenges experienced during Buhari’s tenure should have attracted the same level of public criticism now directed at Tinubu over continuing cases of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
Sani’s position is that insecurity should not be treated differently depending on the regional background of the president or the political interests of those speaking about it.
However, his comments have also drawn attention to the need to assess the security records of both administrations on the basis of evidence, including the frequency of attacks, the number of victims, government responses and the effectiveness of measures taken to protect lives and property.
While the Tinubu administration continues to face pressure to address insecurity, Buhari’s eight-year presidency also witnessed major security incidents, including mass abductions and attacks on communities across the North.
The debate therefore raises a broader question about whether political leaders and influential citizens apply consistent standards when assessing governments led by individuals from their own regions and those from other parts of the country.
Many have, however, challenged this position, arguing that available records provide evidence that Buhari was more proactive than both his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, and his successor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in several key areas of governance.
Sani’s remarks underscore the importance of holding every administration accountable for the safety of Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation or regional identity.
