By Bashir Bello, GUSAU
Hon. Atiku Abubakar Saleh, African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial aspirant for Zamfara Central, has questioned why the people of Zamfara should support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election, arguing that the state has yet to receive adequate federal attention in critical areas of development.
Saleh made the remarks during an interview with journalists, which was also featured extensively on Maibiredi TV.
He challenged journalists and other stakeholders to identify federal projects worth at least ₦1 billion that had been executed or commissioned in Zamfara State under the Tinubu administration.
“Maybe I should ask you journalists if you know of any such projects in the state. But I want to assure you that the Tinubu administration has no project or commissioned any project worth ₦1 billion in Zamfara State,” he said.
The aspirant’s assertion places the distribution of federal infrastructure and development projects at the centre of his criticism of the administration.
Security, Education and Healthcare Top Zamfara’s Needs
Saleh maintained that the people of Zamfara were not demanding extraordinary privileges but expected government to fulfil its fundamental responsibilities, particularly the protection of lives and property, access to education and reliable healthcare.
He challenged the federal government to demonstrate how its policies had adequately addressed these concerns in the state.
Security remains a central issue in Zamfara, where persistent attacks and criminal violence have disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities and placed pressure on agricultural activities and local businesses.
Saleh said any meaningful development agenda for the state must begin with a secure environment in which residents can live, farm, trade and educate their children without fear.
Questions North’s Share of National Wealth
The ADC aspirant also questioned what he described as the marginalisation of northern communities in financial inclusion and the distribution of national resources, particularly when compared with the attention given to oil-producing states.
He argued that northern Nigeria had historically contributed to the development of the country’s economy, including through agricultural production and the resources used during earlier stages of national development.
“Our forefathers contributed financially in building most of the oil produced today across the country. They sacrificed their farm products like cotton, groundnut and others to make sure these oil-producing states or regions developed these oil facilities. Then why is it that we are being looked upon as parasites today? Go and check history,” he said.
Saleh described the people of Zamfara as hardworking farmers, hunters and livestock rearers whose contributions to the country’s economic and social development deserved greater recognition.
His comments reflect a broader debate over regional equity, the distribution of public investment and the relationship between Nigeria’s agricultural heritage and its petroleum-dependent economy.
Promises Rule of Law, Security Reforms
Explaining his decision to seek election to the Senate, Saleh said he believed that stronger adherence to the rule of law could help address some of the challenges confronting Zamfara.
He said his priorities would include ensuring that the law was applied fairly and consistently, drawing on both Nigeria’s constitutional framework and relevant Islamic legal principles.
According to him, a more effective and equitable system of justice would help restore order, strengthen public confidence in institutions and address insecurity across the state.
Saleh also expressed confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to Zamfara’s development if elected, promising to pursue policies aimed at restoring peace, improving social relations and reviving economic activities.
ADC Promises Fuel Price Relief
On the ADC’s position on fuel prices, Saleh defended the party’s promise to reduce the cost of petroleum products, expressing confidence that its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, could implement the proposal.
He said the party’s presidential candidate would restore fuel subsidy on the day he was sworn into office, drawing a comparison with President Tinubu’s announcement of subsidy removal during his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
Pledges Economic Revival and Renewed Unity
Looking ahead, Saleh promised to work towards restoring Zamfara’s former reputation as a peaceful and economically productive state.
He said his vision included rebuilding relationships among the state’s various ethnic communities and creating a secure and enabling environment for agriculture, commerce and other business activities to recover.
He argued that peace and stability were essential to unlocking Zamfara’s economic potential, particularly in farming and trade, which provide livelihoods for many residents.
For Saleh, the central argument is that Zamfara’s development depends on more than political representation: it requires effective security, accessible public services, equitable development spending and a justice system that commands public confidence.
As political competition develops ahead of the next elections, the questions raised by the aspirant are likely to resonate with voters concerned about security, economic opportunity and the state’s place in Nigeria’s national development agenda.
