Professor Ango Abdullahi, a prominent figure associated with the Northern Elders Forum, has again questioned President Bola Tinubu’s ability to solve Nigeria’s major problems.
He argued at the time that Nigeria needed a different type of leadership and pointed to the need for people outside the established political circle.
The comments have resurfaced amid renewed public discussion about Nigeria’s economic difficulties, insecurity and the performance of political leaders.
Abdullahi has for years criticised what he describes as the failure of Nigeria’s political class to address the country’s structural problems. His earlier public statements have also included calls for major changes to Nigeria’s political structure and governance system.
The renewed attention to his position comes as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace. In May 2026, his son, Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, secured the All Progressives Congress ticket for the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in Kaduna State after the party’s primary election.
Abdullahi’s latest criticism therefore comes against the wider background of continuing debate over whether Nigeria’s established political figures can deliver lasting improvements in security, living conditions, infrastructure and public services.
Ango Abdullahi renews call for new leadership in Nigeria
Professor Ango Abdullahi has renewed his long running criticism of Nigeria’s political leadership, arguing that the country needs a different approach to governance.
His position is consistent with remarks he made before the 2023 election, when he questioned the ability of Bola Tinubu to solve Nigeria’s problems after decades in the political system.
Abdullahi said Nigeria needed leaders capable of addressing its problems rather than continuing with familiar political figures. His comments focused on the country’s long standing challenges and what he regarded as limited evidence that established politicians could provide the changes Nigerians were seeking.
His criticism has remained part of the wider debate about leadership in Nigeria, particularly as concerns over security, the cost of living and the delivery of basic services continue to shape public discussion.
Abdullahi has also previously argued that Nigeria’s political difficulties are connected to deeper structural issues. In earlier comments, he called for major constitutional and political changes, including a return to stronger regional structures.
The renewed debate comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections.
