Alhaji Dabo Sambo, a Northern elder and public affairs commentator, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the escalating insecurity and banditry in the northern region. He cautioned that failing to do so could severely diminish Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.
In a statement to reporters, Sambo identified security as the nation’s most pressing issue, highlighting the constant threat to lives and property.
He emphasized that ensuring the safety of citizens is a fundamental duty of the government and warned that any shortcomings in this area could have significant political repercussions for Tinubu.
Sambo stated, “If President Tinubu does not resolve the security challenges, he will certainly struggle to win the 2027 election,” drawing a comparison to the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The days of relying on carton noodles and distributing salt during campaigns are behind us,” he stated. “People are seeking security and food; without these essentials, they will not cast their votes.” He highlighted that the North-West and North-East regions, which produce over 60% of Nigeria’s food, are plagued by banditry and kidnappings.
According to him, terrorism has forced farmers to abandon their fields, resulting in decreased food production, rising prices, and famine. “Food is scarce in Nigeria, and many people are hungry,” Sambo emphasized, connecting the escalating food crisis to the insecurity in the North-East and North-West, which are vital for the nation’s agricultural output.
He also pointed out the wider economic repercussions of insecurity, including the depreciation of the Naira, increased transportation costs, and inflation, all of which are steadily eroding the savings of ordinary citizens. Sambo insisted that Tinubu must take action within six months to address the security situation and work towards revitalizing the economy.
He cautioned that if things did not change, it could resemble the situation faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost his re-election bid in 2015 largely because of the same issues.
