Why Nigerians Are Angry About Yerima Shettima

•North not completely against  Tinubu 

By Chioma Gabriel, Editor Special Features

Yerima Shettima is the convener of the Northern stakeholders consultative initiative, a socio‑cultural and political organisation that represents the interests of young people in Northern Nigeria.

He is an active political figure in Kaduna State. He announced an intention to run for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), strongly opposing the practice of “anointed candidates” and advocating for internal party democracy. He later withdrew from the race in favour of the incumbent. In this interview, he discusses the 2027 election cycle and what Nigerians should expect.

Politicking has commenced in earnest, and intra‑ and inter‑party activities are going on. What do you see when you look at the future?

“Electioneering often brings problems because people expect politicians to be consistent and ideologically driven. In Nigeria, however, parties are rarely built on a clear ideology, which leads to frequent issues. Even when politicians come to power, questions arise about whether they belong there. This pattern continues to create problems.”

Nigeria is preparing for elections, but we are not even sure whether there will be an election or not…

“I do not see any obstacle that would prevent an election. The timetable is out, and we are already conducting primaries. Campaigns will begin soon, and the election will take place as scheduled.”

The way things are going, many Nigerians think the current administration is pushing the country towards a one‑party state, and opposition is scattered

“Opposition groups are often desperate and change parties frequently, which weakens their position. I believe in a strong opposition, but that depends on the parties’ willingness to act responsibly. The APC and Tinubu should not be blamed for the opposition’s shortcomings; the opposition must address its own issues.”

Many believe that the greatest problem we have with democracy is not just the politicians, but INEC and the Judiciary. INEC and the Judiciary are seen to have compromised

“Our institutions are not functioning properly, and decisions are often made around individuals rather than institutions. Strengthening the judiciary, legislature, and executive is essential to prevent compromises.”

The current Senate and House of Representatives are seen as rubber stamps; they are not deliberating on anything; they are just doing what the executive wants

“I do not think the National Assembly is merely rubber‑stamping. It often works independently and includes opposition voices. While there are disagreements, the Assembly’s role is to serve the country’s interests.”

Nigeria has been borrowing money to the extent that Nigerians had to go online to protest to the World Bank that it should stop giving Nigerians money, which are looted…

“Loans are necessary for infrastructure projects that the country cannot fund alone. The government must manage debt responsibly, but borrowing itself is not inherently wrong.”

The government is embarking on white elephant projects that consume so much money and provide opportunities for them to take out money and do whatever they like

“Investing in infrastructure, such as roads, benefits the economy more than distributing money to individuals. Proper allocation of funds is crucial.”

Every year, we budget humongous amounts on security, but you don’t see it reflected in the lives of the soldiers or the security forces

“Corruption and mismanagement divert funds away from security agencies. Transparency and monitoring are needed to ensure that allocated money reaches the intended recipients.”

Sometimes, the kind of thing that is happening and the way Nigerians are keeping quiet is like they cast a spell on us. No serious opposition. APC is fighting over N800 billion, which they say is Nigeria’s money, and they want to use it on the election

“The allegation regarding Governor Uzodimma’s N800 billion remains unverified. If proven, the governor should be investigated. Until then, it is an allegation.”

Why did you withdraw from the primaries?

“I withdrew because the party leadership advised me to step aside for a comrade who was better positioned to represent the party. It was a voluntary decision made in the interest of the party.”

Why is the North not happy with Tinubu?

“I am not aware of widespread discontent in the North. Some individuals feel their interests were not met, but overall, the North is not uniformly opposed to Tinubu.”

You withdrew from the race. Is it not one of the pointers to the fact that the system chooses who it wants, that we are heading towards a dictatorship and one‑party state?

“My withdrawal was not forced. I consulted with party leaders and stakeholders. I remain open to contesting future elections.”

When you look at some of these disagreements of some parts of the North, is there something that the North would have the president do?

“The primary challenge is insecurity—kidnappings and terrorism across the country. The government must address this to restore normalcy, especially in farming communities.”

Nigerians are uncomfortable with the so‑called reintegration of terrorists into the system. Some of them were made to join the army, and some ended up going back to terrorism

“I oppose the reintegration of terrorists into the military. Rehabilitation should not compromise the safety of victims or the integrity of security forces.”

Do we need Donald Trump to come and help Nigeria fight insecurity?

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation. While international support is welcome, the country should not rely on foreign powers to solve its internal security challenges.”

The Electoral Act is not what many believe it should be. There is so much controversy; some issues are not resolved

“Laws evolve. Recent court rulings on the Electoral Act highlight the need for amendments. Over time, these issues will be addressed.”

What do you think of Peter Obi? Doesn’t the North have anything against him?

“I have no personal objection to Peter Obi. He is a Nigerian candidate who should be allowed to contest.”

So, you foresee a peaceful election, a normal election?

“No election can be 100 % peaceful. Some challenges are inevitable, but the government must work to minimize disruptions.”

A lot of people are already crying foul, even before the primaries, during the primaries, and then after the primaries…

“Political contests naturally produce winners and losers. Those who lose may protest, but the democratic process remains intact.”

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