Byline: IDNN Politics Desk
Former Zamfara senator and one-time coordinator of Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign in the state, Kabiru Marafa, has launched a scathing attack on the president, describing him as a “use-and-dump leader” who discards loyal allies once in power.
Speaking on Channels Television after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Marafa accused Tinubu of sidelining the North while rewarding his allies in the South-West.
“Looking at the treatment of El-Rufai, Ganduje, and myself, we are convinced that Mr. President is a ‘use-and-dump leader’,” Marafa said.
Marafa argued that despite his loyalty, including mobilising Zamfara during Tinubu’s campaign, his camp had been excluded from key appointments. He linked this neglect to broader northern disillusionment with Tinubu’s government.
The former senator also accused the federal government of failing to address worsening insecurity in Zamfara, recounting brutal bandit attacks and kidnappings that, he said, received no meaningful response from Abuja.
“No troops were sent, no help was given, nothing. But for by-elections with just five polling units, they deployed overwhelming force. That was the last straw,” he charged.
Marafa announced he is consulting widely before choosing a new party but vowed to slash Tinubu’s votes in the North during the next presidential election.
“I will deduct one million out of Mr. President’s votes from 2023. Mark my words. By the grace of God, I will do it,” he declared.
His comments come amid a growing wave of criticism from northern leaders who accuse Tinubu of neglecting the region. Similar complaints have been raised by former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, who alleged worsening poverty and insecurity under the administration.
Analysts say Marafa’s defection could reshape northern political alignments ahead of 2027, with the PDP and ADC among the parties seeking to capitalise on the discontent.
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