By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Seven states in Northern Nigeria with a majority Hausa population—Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara—have issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by Kalthum Alumbe Jitami (Jaruma Hausa) on behalf of the Guguwar Hausawa Tsantsa Movement, and titled: “Urgent Message from the Hausa People of Nigeria to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Regarding Fulani Influence and Indigenous Representation.”
Dated June 27, 2025, the statement alleges that President Tinubu is under pressure to replace Shettima, a native Kanuri, with a Fulani running mate, accusing unnamed Fulani political elites of influencing the President toward a controversial agenda.
“The Hausa people of Nigeria are notifying you of the danger and mistake in listening to those promoting Fulani political dominance through groups like Miyetti Allah, Kautal Hore, and Pulako International,” the group stated. “This could be an unforgivable sin against all Nigerians and Africa at large.”
According to the statement, Hausa voters overwhelmingly supported President Tinubu in 2023 despite ethnic and political challenges, only to feel sidelined in the current administration’s appointments.
“Though Hausa people in seven states voted massively for you, you have awarded most positions to Fulani elites who are allegedly disrupting your government through insecurity and political manipulation,” the statement read.
The group criticized the inclusion of prominent Fulani figures such as former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Ministers of Defense Bello Matawalle and Abubakar Badaru, suggesting they pose a risk to the administration’s stability.
It also listed former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’adu Abubakar, among influential figures allegedly advancing Fulani dominance under the guise of representing Hausa interests.
“Hausa people are not Fulani, and there is no such thing as a united Hausa-Fulani tribe. We are the indigenous owners of Hausaland, and we must now reclaim our political heritage,” the group stated, adding that they plan to contest every elective office across the North in 2027.
They called for greater recognition of Hausa identity and autonomy within the political framework and warned that any perceived betrayal could lead to political consequences.
“We hope this awakening inspires other indigenous groups across Nigeria to protect and celebrate their cultural heritage,” the statement concluded.
