Mar 20 2026

Garba Abari, spokesperson of the Arewa Discussion Group and a former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, has stated that Northern Nigeria has rarely voted in a unified manner across elections, noting that such a pattern was last seen during the 2015 general elections.

He explained that during that election cycle, the region demonstrated a rare level of political alignment, with a majority of its states casting their votes in the same direction.

The development stood out in contrast to the usual diversity of political choices observed across the northern states.

Abari made these remarks during an interview on Trust TV, where he discussed broader political trends and public sentiment in the country.

His comments were part of a wider conversation addressing reactions to recent national events and leadership responses.

While speaking, he also addressed the public reaction following the President’s departure to the United Kingdom shortly after a bømb incident in Maiduguri.

The development had drawn attention from various quarters, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the timing of the trip.

Abari indicated that the reaction from citizens reflected an expectation of a stronger and more immediate show of leadership in the aftermath of such incidents.

According to him, moments of crisis often shape public perception of governance and leadership responsibility.

He added that many Nigerians were looking for a visible presence from the President as a form of reassurance and solidarity with affected communities.

The expectation, he said, was rooted in the symbolic importance of leadership during periods of national distress.

He said, “Perhaps the only time that Northern Nigeria voted in one direction, was in 2015. When 17 out of the 19 states of the North voted in one direction.

Naija news channel