El-Rufai’s Words Rekindle Nigeria’s North-South Divide
posted 25th February 2025
El-Rufai’s Words Rekindle Nigeria’s North-South Divide
In an interview on Arise Primetime Show yesterday, 24th February 2025, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai reignited concerns about Nigeria’s deep-rooted regional divisions. Speaking on power rotation within the All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai stated:
"Based on the understanding in the APC, power was supposed to go to the South. Who the Southerners gave us was up to them."
His choice of words—particularly “Who the Southerners gave us”—has sparked debate, as it appears to reinforce the idea of Nigeria as two separate entities: Northern and Southern Nigeria. By referring to "Southerners" as a distinct group that "gave us" a leader, El-Rufai raises questions about the sincerity of national unity.
Think deeply and critically about the following statement by El Rufai, and you begin to understand the mindset of the average Northerner. "As a private citizen, I can afford to be reckless and say, ‘You know what? We gave the southerners their chance. They gave us Tinubu; has he done well? If he hasn’t done well by 2027, let’s vote him out". Take note of "we" gave "Southerners". Basically, we - people of the North are not Nigerians, but "Northern Nigerians", who gave "Southerners", their chance!
For many, this statement reflects a larger problem—one where political allegiances are shaped by ethnicity rather than a collective national identity. Critics argue that El-Rufai, considered one of the North’s most prominent politicians, has laid bare the mindset that continues to dominate governance in Nigeria. Instead of a united vision for the country, regional interests appear to take precedence.
El-Rufai has previously stated that, as Governor of Kaduna State, he saw himself as representing the legacy of Northern leaders like Aminu Kano and Ahmadu Bello—not necessarily Nigeria as a whole. This aligns with the broader pattern of Northern politicians prioritising regional loyalty over national unity.
The broader implications of such thinking are evident in Nigerian politics. From former President Muhammadu Buhari to incumbent Bola Tinubu, and now with El-Rufai potentially eyeing the presidency, critics argue that the country continues to recycle leaders driven by ethnic and religious considerations rather than a true nationalist agenda.
Nigeria’s core issue, some argue, is not just leadership failure but a deep-seated ethnic divide. Northern politicians like Senator Ali Ndume, for example, have been vocal about policies they believe do not favour the North, even when they are intended for national development. This echoes past sentiments from Northern elites who have historically positioned the region’s interests above the idea of a united Nigeria.
As former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) once clarified that the January 1966 coup was not an Igbo coup, some speculate that, in time, the North itself may one day acknowledge that the concept of one Nigeria has always been a carefully maintained illusion.
El-Rufai’s latest remarks, therefore, do more than just reveal his personal political stance—they expose a long-standing reality: Nigeria remains a nation where regional interests overshadow the dream of true unity.
