Yerima Shettima, Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative, says Nigeria’s politics would work better if political parties were driven by clear ideologies rather than personal interests.
According to him, many politicians switch parties because of ambition, creating instability in the political system.
Speaking on the 2027 elections, Shettima said he believes elections will hold as scheduled despite concerns in some quarters.
He noted that election timetables have already been released and political activities are ongoing across the country.
On claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, Shettima argued that opposition parties are largely responsible for their own problems.
He said many opposition politicians are driven by personal ambition and are unwilling to make sacrifices for the collective good, leading to division and confusion within their ranks.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s institutions, including the electoral body and the judiciary, face challenges. According to him, the country’s major problem is weak institutions, which makes it easier for individuals to influence systems that should operate independently.
He called for stronger institutions to improve governance and democracy.
Responding to criticisms that the National Assembly has become a rubber stamp for the executive arm, Shettima disagreed.
He said lawmakers sometimes support government policies because they believe such actions are in the country’s interest, not because they have been compromised.
On Nigeria’s growing debt profile, Shettima defended government borrowing, saying loans are necessary for infrastructure projects and national development. He pointed to ongoing road projects across the country as examples of investments that require significant funding.
Addressing concerns about poverty, hunger and insecurity, he said insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges.
He advocated state and community policing, arguing that the country’s current security personnel are too few to effectively secure a population of over 250 million people.
While praising the efforts of security agencies, he stressed the need for better welfare, equipment and funding for security personnel.
He also called for stricter monitoring of security budgets to ensure allocated funds are properly used.
On allegations involving large sums of public funds allegedly linked to political activities, Shettima said such claims remain allegations until proven.
However, he maintained that any public official found guilty of wrongdoing should be investigated and held accountable.
Explaining why he withdrew from a senatorial race in Kaduna State, Shettima said his decision was voluntary and made out of respect for party leaders and internal party arrangements. He insisted that he was neither pressured nor forced to step down.
Regarding claims that Northern Nigerians are unhappy with President Bola Tinubu, Shettima said the situation is more complicated.
He argued that some political interests are exploiting public frustrations, while others fail to communicate the government’s achievements effectively. He maintained that many people in the North still support the president.
He identified insecurity as the main issue affecting public perception of the government. According to him, widespread kidnappings and terrorism have prevented many farmers from accessing their farms, worsening economic hardship and frustration among citizens.
On the controversial rehabilitation of former terrorists, Shettima said he does not support reintegrating convicted terrorists into society or security agencies.
He argued that priority should instead be given to victims of terrorism and that such policies could send the wrong message.
He also rejected suggestions that foreign countries
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