North not short-changed, Tinubu will win 2027 despite internal divisions- Jibrin, Reps member

Member representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has dismissed claims that the North was short-changed in Nigeria’s power rotation, insisting that the region remains the country’s most endowed. Appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today, the fourth-term lawmaker said he is embarrassed when educated northerners argue otherwise, stressing that President Tinubu will win in 2027. David Lawani reports.

Many people think you have been quiet recently. Why?

I get surprised when people think I am quiet. Maybe they are comparing me to the Jibrin of 15 years ago, the younger Jibrin. Otherwise, I have been active.

You are a Kwankwasiya at heart?

Absolutely. I am Kwankwasiya and NNPP.

What we heard was that Kwankwaso is going to join the APC. What stalled it?

Well, I don’t know. The appropriate thing to ask is where we are and where we are headed. But as far as I know, you heard his last comment. He has always maintained that his doors are open, and our doors are open for discussions. Everything is possible.

There is a relationship between Kwankwaso and President Tinubu. That has also caused some division within Kano’s political landscape. Some wonder how the President will manage Kwankwaso joining the APC while Ganduje, who just exited as national chairman, remains a factor. Does that give you concern?

Of course, it gives me considerable concern. But my opinion is known to everyone. I have always tried to ensure that, in the interest of Kano and Nigeria, our polity is stable. If you take it for granted that Kwankwaso is moving to the APC, even within Kano, you will find many who don’t want him to come—some because they want to be governor. Discussions are ongoing, but everyone is aware that I have consistently advocated for a government of national dialogue and unity. I was offended by Ganduje, and everybody knows what happened. However, I still tried to ensure peace between him and Kwankwaso, not for political reasons, but for moral reasons. Whether alliance, merger, or otherwise, I don’t want to pre-empt any process. With human beings involved, everything is possible.

Is there still a likelihood that Kwankwaso will join the APC? That conversation is not closed?

It is not closed. He has never said it is closed.

If Kwankwaso joins the APC, he will take his supporters with him. You said some within the APC wouldn’t want him. How will that play out?

Even within the APC in Kano, there are vested interests. Some want us to come in for their own ambitions. But Kwankwasiya is formidable. It is a powerful movement. Still, in politics, nobody is indispensable.

Would you leave the NNPP without Kwankwaso leaving first?

No. But at my age, I am old enough to make decisions for myself.

That means there is a likelihood you will move to the APC?

Everything is a possibility.

Are you having that conversation?

I do not see anything that would prevent President Tinubu from being re-elected in 2027.

Are you God?

I said I believe. Who do I believe in? God. I didn’t say I am God. And by the way, I am a Tinubu person.

You are in NNPP, but a Tinubu man?

Call it anything you want. I am Tinubu’s person. I like him and he likes me. In any working environment, it is essential to have a boss whom you like and who likes you in return. He has been a great person to me.

Is Kwankwaso in the presidential race?

I prefer Kwankwaso and President Tinubu to work together. But the South should finish its remaining four years. I feel terribly embarrassed when knowledgeable Northerners say the North has been short-changed. The North has ruled for 39 and a half years, while the South has ruled for 28 years.

Are you calculating from the 1960s?

Nigeria gained independence in 1960. You cannot count power only from 1999. Gowon ruled nine years, Shagari four, Buhari two, Babangida eight, Abacha five, Yar’Adua three, and Buhari eight. All are recognised former presidents. It is insulting for a northerner to say Nigeria started in 1999. My bigger concern is northern unity, more than NNPP issues.

How did you conclude that Tinubu will win in 2027?

Because the North is disunited, we often come together to bring ourselves down. Atiku, Namadi Sambo, Shettima, Gowon, Shagari, Buhari, Babangida, Abacha, Yar’Adua—northerners, not southerners, brought down all. We keep repeating this pattern. The North must unite. We are more prosperous and more blessed than the South, but we fight ourselves.

In what sense is the North richer?

We have population, fertile land, and every mineral you can think of. The South has a primary focus on oil and gas. But we have failed to maximise our potential. Instead, northern leaders fight each other publicly. This toxicity hurts the majority of Northerners.

Some argue that Obasanjo’s eight years, Jonathan’s five, and Tinubu’s four by 2027 total 17 for the South, versus Yar’Adua’s two and Buhari’s eight, making 10 for the North. They say 2027 should be open. What is your view?

Can someone start counting his age from the back? What happened between 1960 and 1999—can we throw it in the dustbin? We still recognise all those leaders. My embarrassment is that we even entertain this argument. The South-West, from Awolowo to Tinubu, always held its own. But Tinubu strategised and pulled his region to the centre. If the North isn’t careful, it could be pushed into opposition. Governance is for your people’s interest, not for opposition.

Can you deny there are forces in the North who want Tinubu out?

There are. But some Northerners support him. It is dangerous to think that Tinubu has no support in the North. He is not an orphan here.

What did the President tell you? Has he bought you over?

At my level, that would be an expensive joke. Nothing I am saying is new. I’ve been consistent for three years.

Why not tell us your conversations with him?

When you have access to someone, not everything is for the public glare. But those close to Tinubu know he is different from how people view him from afar. He is sound, sharp, and knows what he is doing.

So, is he mentally sound?

Yes, he is mentally sound.

El-Rufai accused the Federal Government of paying insurgents. What’s your take?

It is wrong to blame Tinubu for insecurity. He inherited decades of problems. You cannot attribute two years of Tinubu’s rule to causing insecurity, economic decline, healthcare collapse, and social decay. Criticism is acceptable, but let’s be fair. He listens when you present superior arguments.

Is the President in touch with the average Nigerian?

To the extent of the information he gets. Even in an office, a leader isn’t in touch with everyone. Imagine overseeing 200 million people. But he listens, and he engages.

Nigerians say life is worse after two years of Tinubu. Are they wrong?

It is like blaming the fire-fighter instead of the one who set the house on fire. Challenges remain, but a solid foundation is being laid by exiting domestic borrowing and freeing liquidity for real sector growth. Short-term pain will bring long-term gains.