- The council described Kwankwaso’s statements as “biased” and “misleading
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye) has raised alarm over what it describes as political manoeuvres by Northern elites to undermine Southern interests and influence the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Thursday, the council’s National Publicity Secretary, Isaac Aderemi Ajibola, criticised recent remarks by key Northern figures, including Prof. Ango Abdullahi of the Northern Elders Forum and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing them of divisive rhetoric.
Abdullahi had suggested dissolving Nigeria, citing the alleged expiration of the 1914 amalgamation treaty, while Kwankwaso accused Southern leaders, particularly in Lagos, of “colonising” the North during a convocation at Skyline University, Kano.
The council described Kwankwaso’s statements as “biased” and “misleading,” asserting that they misrepresented President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, which aim to address revenue inequalities and promote equitable development.
“We are deeply concerned about the barrage of incendiary rhetoric from Northern elites. Kwankwaso’s unverified claims and divisive comments against the South, including the accusation of ‘Lagos colonising the North,’ are politically motivated and aimed at misleading Nigerians,” the council stated.
The group also took issue with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism of Nigeria’s leadership during a speech at Yale University. The council accused Obasanjo of working to undermine President Tinubu’s administration, describing his remarks as inflammatory and counterproductive.
“We are not oblivious to ongoing conspiracies to disrupt and hijack power from the South. Obasanjo’s disparaging comments are part of a broader scheme to destabilise the current administration,” the statement added.
The Yoruba Council called for unity among Nigerians and urged leaders to avoid actions that could exacerbate regional tensions.