By Ismaeel Aleem
Special Adviser to President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has declared that the president represents all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, as demonstrated by his recent engagements in northern Nigeria.
Speaking in a statement on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Dare described Tinubu’s visit to Kaduna as a “resounding political validation” that debunked myths about northern hostility towards the president.
Tinubu’s visit on Friday included attending the wedding of Nasirudeen, son of former Zamfara State governor and current Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, in Kaduna.
The event drew prominent political figures across party lines, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, and governors Dikko Radda (Katsina), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), and Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto).
The president also paid a condolence visit to Aisha, widow of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, at her family residence in Kaduna.
Dare highlighted the warm reception Tinubu received, countering opposition narratives that portrayed the north as antagonistic towards him.
“Whispers of ‘a no-go area’ hung in the air, but in less than five hours, long-held myths dissolved, stereotypes shattered, and sentiments shifted,” he said.
“From the streets to the mosques, the connection between the people and their president was instant. Kaduna showed love, loyalty, and warmth.”
The aide cited Tinubu’s interaction with former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido, a known critic, as a testament to his inclusive leadership.
“When Lamido approached, Tinubu welcomed him with an expansive smile and hearty laughter,” Dare noted, recalling their shared history in the Social Democratic Party.
“It was a masterclass in citizen diplomacy, showing that politics can be practised without bitterness.”
Dare argued that Tinubu’s engagements reaffirmed his commitment to building bridges across regional and partisan divides.
“The politicians present saw a president secure in his mandate and magnanimous in his dealings,” he said.
