Contextualizing PMB's Northern Support

PMB is presently the most popular politician in the north, but that is not because he espouses the northern agenda (if ever there was one any way). No. He is popular because of his track record of incorruptibility and spartan discipline, and for the teeming masses in the north that is just enough.

PMB belongs to an entirely different political tendency in northern Nigeria. It is a tendency that comprised of enlightened northern elite drawn from across the board who share in the idea of national development, modernization, orderly society, a public-sector driven capitalism that also takes care of the poor and the weak, as well as the enthronement of a clean government. This tendency disdains corruption and societal indiscipline. Though not radical in the sense of having an alternative vision of the social order (like the NEPU/PRP), it is also nevertheless, developmental and forward looking all at once, like the Awolowo's AG/UPN.

To, therefore, alleged that PMB is a "northern hegemonist" and that he harbours some imaginary "northern agenda" is to betray a total lack of historical appreciation of his background, his outlook, his orientation and that of the political tendency he belongs. It demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of his connection with the northern masses who saw in him as some one who has their interests at heart. It also ignores the fact that the so-called "northern establishment" never at any given point in time supported PMB's presidential aspiration since he forayed into politics in 2003. If, indeed, they have an option, certainly PMB will never be one.

That the northern masses supported and still support him unconditionally need to be situated in the way they see him as being different from the class of the northern elite that monopolize resources, power and privileges, and throw them into want and deprivation. The northern masses are not ignorant lot; they are very much conscious of the power politics both within the north and across the country.

Contrary to what some pundits have posited, PMB's mass appeal in the north has nothing to do with religion or ethnicity or even region. It is purely rooted in the political economy and the masses' understanding of the fact that he is so far the only one that can evoke fear in the minds of the corrupt and selfish political elite in the country.

For the masses who have for decades felt helpless in the context of power relations within the north and the country more generally, PMB stands as a symbol of their strength in their struggle for justice, equity and fairness, and for making public resources work for the poor. Hence, no amount of demonization can dent his standing with them. The earlier the political opposition to PMB come to terms with these realities the better, as we approach 2019.

By Yakubu Aliyu