Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against assuming that it enjoys widespread support in Northern Nigeria, saying dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration could affect the party’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.
Oseni made the remarks on Monday, October 19, 2026, during The Morning Show on Arise Television, where he analysed political developments and shifting alliances ahead of the next general elections.
The broadcaster argued that the enthusiastic reception some politicians receive during public engagements in the North should not automatically be interpreted as widespread approval of the Federal Government. He noted that financial handouts and public displays of support might not necessarily translate into votes during elections.
“Because you are giving tonnes of people money in the North, they are shouting your name; they are saying everything is well. Elections will shock you. Do not deceive yourself,” Oseni said.
“The North is not happy with this administration,” he added.
Oseni acknowledged that his assessment could be criticised as an overgeneralisation, explaining that it was based on his observations of public sentiment and political developments across the region rather than the findings of a single scientific survey.
He also questioned the commitment of governors who recently defected to the APC following the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting that some might have joined the ruling party because of circumstances surrounding their former political platform rather than a strong preference for the APC.
“Will the APC be able to trust the complete commitments of the governors that came to the fold of the APC because of the disintegration of the PDP?” he asked.
Describing the political arrangement as a “strange marriage arrangement,” Oseni questioned whether the governors would give the APC their full support ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly if the PDP had not experienced internal divisions.
His comments come amid political realignments and growing competition among parties ahead of the next general elections. However, his assessment of Northern voters’ sentiments represents his personal view and should not be interpreted as the outcome of a comprehensive opinion poll.
