Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi Defends President Tinubu: “It Is Wrong to Accuse Him of Neglecting the North”
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Newspaper.
August 7th, 2025
Kano, Nigeria — In a strong rebuttal to growing criticisms suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has neglected Northern Nigeria, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has categorically dismissed such allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Wednesday, shortly after a strategic All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting held at the residence of former APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Hon. Bichi provided a detailed account of several federal government projects currently underway in the northern region. He emphasized that President Tinubu’s commitment to national development, particularly in the North, is both clear and commendable.
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According to Hon. Bichi, President Tinubu has spearheaded transformative initiatives across key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, and national security. He pointed out that critical transport arteries such as the Abuja-Kano expressway are progressing significantly, with some segments like Kano-Kaduna already completed, while Abuja-Kaduna is nearing completion.
“On infrastructure, under the Federal Ministry of Works, there are many critical projects here in the North. The president revoked the original Abuja-Kano road contract due to poor delivery and re-awarded it to a more competent firm. Since then, work has progressed rapidly, and from what we’ve discussed with the Minister of Works, it will be completed before the end of the first quarter of next year,” Bichi revealed.
In Kano State alone, he added, a 200-kilometre road from Kano to Hadejia has been completed, while the Kano Northern Bypass, a massive infrastructure project valued at N250 billion, is already operational.
Furthermore, Hon. Bichi disclosed that the federal government is in the final stages of procurement for a light rail project in Kano metropolis, estimated at $1 billion (approximately N1.5 trillion)—a landmark project poised to transform urban transportation in one of Nigeria’s largest cities.
As Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Hon. Bichi occupies a unique vantage point in Nigeria’s budgeting and development landscape. He emphasized that he is fully aware of the allocation and execution of federal funds, particularly in relation to the North.
“I am the chairman of the Appropriation Committee and I know where we are appropriating the money. I know what President Tinubu has done so far. It is simply untrue for anyone to say that he is neglecting the North,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to resist politically-driven narratives and instead objectively assess the federal government’s contributions across the region. “We must keep sentiments aside and give credit where it is due. The president is working for the entire nation, and the North is not being left behind,” he added.
The APC stakeholders’ meeting in Kano was also an opportunity for party leaders to reflect on the achievements of the party and strategize for the future. Hon. Bichi reaffirmed Kano’s status as an APC stronghold, noting that the state gave President Tinubu his highest number of votes during the 2023 general elections.
He commended Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje for his leadership both as a former governor of Kano State and as the immediate past national chairman of the APC.
“Dr. Ganduje performed exceptionally well during his time as national chairman. He succeeded in bringing key political players into the APC fold and helped us win over several PDP-controlled states. We are here to express our support and loyalty to him as our leader in Kano State,” Hon. Bichi noted.
He also highlighted the need for unity and preparation as the next electoral cycle approaches in two years. “We must remain united and forward-thinking. The 2027 elections are not far away, and this is the time to consolidate, appreciate our successes, and strategize,” he advised.
As the political discourse heats up across the country, Hon. Bichi’s statements serve as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based assessments of leadership performance. While criticism is a vital part of democracy, he argued, it must not be used to distort facts or discredit genuine progress.
“The president has not turned his back on the North. The projects speak for themselves, and the people of this region are already feeling the impact. Let’s build on that, rather than tearing it down for political gain,” he concluded.
Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi is a prominent lawmaker from Kano State and currently serves as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation—a critical role that oversees Nigeria’s annual federal budget. His insights offer a credible perspective on the distribution of national resources and the developmental direction of the current administration.
President Tinubu’s administration, which began in May 2023, has faced scrutiny from various quarters, particularly from regions that feel marginalized. However, supporters argue that many of the administration’s projects, especially in Northern Nigeria, are yet to be fully recognized due to their ongoing implementation.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward development and national unity, voices like Hon. Bichi’s aim to bridge perception gaps with facts and verifiable outcomes.
Write by Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Newspaper can be reach via 08060017934.
