Dr. Hafiz Abubakar, former Deputy Governor of Kano State, asserts that recent claims of marginalisation emanating from Northern leaders fundamentally reflect the democratic expectations of the region’s electorate. Speaking to ARISE NEWS, Abubakar articulated a belief that voters who actively contributed to the current president’s electoral victory are entitled to witness tangible dividends stemming from their significant support. This sentiment, he argues, forms the bedrock of democratic accountability.

Abubakar underscored the pivotal role played by the Northern region in securing the presidency, a contribution he believes should naturally lead to a reciprocal reward within a democratic framework. He highlighted a perceived disparity, where segments of the electorate who voted against the incumbent president allegedly receive greater attention and benefits, thereby fueling widespread dissatisfaction across the North.

This growing discontent, according to the former Deputy Governor, carries substantial implications for Nigeria’s future political landscape. He cautioned that the prevailing sentiment will significantly influence electoral calculations ahead of the next cycle, prompting voters to critically re-evaluate their choices based on the practical experiences and perceived dividends from the current administration’s performance between 2023 and 2027.

Despite these profound concerns regarding voter expectations and perceived neglect, Abubakar expressed a degree of optimism that the situation remains addressable. He anticipates various political alignments and concerted efforts to engage the president and his team, stating his hope that the president, whom he described as a “practical politician,” will ultimately address these pressing issues.

Transitioning to economic policy, Abubakar urged caution regarding the controversial Nigeria-France tax memorandum of understanding and broader proposed tax reforms slated for implementation in 2026. He stressed the imperative for these reforms to be meticulously managed to avoid exacerbating Nigeria’s already severe challenges of poverty and inequality.

While acknowledging the inherent need for reforms to boost revenue generation and address national developmental challenges, Abubakar warned against measures that could impose sudden hardship on the populace. He emphasised that any new tax regime must be implemented in a manner that the public and the existing system can accommodate without fear or shock, given the prevailing socio-economic vulnerabilities.

Abubakar further explained that public suspicion surrounding foreign involvement in taxation is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s historical experiences. He noted that mentions of foreign countries often evoke memories of past imperial encounters, leading to apprehension among citizens regarding external control over critical national resources and policy.

He clarified that genuine international cooperation should focus strategically on capacity building within Nigeria, aiming to enhance local systems for tax collection, management, and accountability. Abubakar argued that public concern becomes extreme only when there is a perception of foreign nations directly controlling or managing these vital domestic processes.

Shifting focus to social development, Abubakar commended the Kano State Government for its decisive declaration of a state of emergency in education. He described this intervention as necessary and praised the significant budgetary allocation directed towards the sector, underscoring the critical need to substantially improve infrastructure, teacher quality, and the availability of learning materials.

Abubakar broadened the perspective on the issue of out-of-school children in Kano, asserting that it transcends a mere state-level problem. He characterised it as a national concern, further impacted by international migration patterns, requiring a more comprehensive, coordinated response from both the national government and international organisations to complement state-led educational and immigration management efforts.

Addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, Abubakar drew upon his personal experience, having served as a Special Assistant to the Federal Minister of Defence between 2003 and 2006, where he contributed to the nation’s first defence policy. He suggested that effective resolution of insecurity demands institutional coherence and stability rather than frequent changes in security leadership.

Collectively, Abubakar’s insights underscore a call for responsive governance, strategic policy implementation, and collaborative solutions across various sectors, from political representation and economic reform to education and security. His perspectives highlight the intricate balance between democratic expectations, economic realities, and the imperative for sustainable national development.

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Keywords: Northern marginalisation claims, Nigerian democratic expectations, Hafiz Abubakar, Kano State education emergency, Nigeria tax reforms, Foreign tax involvement Nigeria, Out-of-school children Nigeria, Security challenges Nigeria