In a recent interview from 1:02:54 on Symfoni TV on Sunday, July 19, 2026, elder statesman and founding National Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Usman Bugaje, shared his assessment of the current political climate, stating that dissatisfaction with the federal government has reached unprecedented levels across Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during the interview, Bugaje said, “The North has never been as angry with any government as it is with this particular government,” arguing that the frustration stems from worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and what many residents perceive as a failure to address pressing national challenges.
According to him, many communities across the North continue to grapple with banditry, kidnappings, and displacement, while millions of citizens struggle with rising living costs. He maintained that despite repeated assurances from government officials, many Nigerians are yet to experience significant improvements in their daily lives.
Bugaje also criticized what he described as the weakening of democratic institutions, alleging that opposition parties and public institutions have increasingly come under political pressure. He stressed that democracy functions best when there is healthy competition among parties based on clear ideas and policies rather than personalities or regional interests.
The former ACN chieftain further argued that political parties should be able to clearly articulate their economic and social philosophies so that voters can make informed choices. He lamented that many parties have failed to present coherent policy alternatives, making it difficult for citizens to distinguish them on ideological grounds.
During the discussion, Bugaje called on Nigeria’s elite and civil society to become more active in defending democratic values. He warned that silence from influential voices could further weaken institutions and deepen public distrust in government.
He concluded by urging leaders at all levels to focus on addressing insecurity, poverty, and governance challenges, saying that rebuilding public confidence would require transparency, accountability, and policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians….See More