PDP Chieftain Okai Austin Criticizes Northern Leaders for Exploiting Region
Lokoja, Nigeria – September 6, 2025 – Usman Okai Austin, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, has accused northern Nigerian leaders of exploiting the region’s name for personal political gain. In an interview with Daily Post, Okai Austin claimed that many northern stakeholders prioritize individual ambitions over the collective interests of the region’s citizens, a critique that resonates beyond Nigeria’s borders as a cautionary tale about political self-interest.
Okai Austin argued that northern leaders often use the region’s identity as a façade to advance personal agendas, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race. “The North has not taken any decision yet,” he said, dismissing claims of a divided region as exaggerated. “Before we can say it is divided, there has not been any united force or collaborative decision from the North.” He pointed to past political maneuvers, such as the push by some leaders to support former Senate President Ahmad Lawan as a presidential candidate when former President Muhammadu Buhari’s term ended, while others, like former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, advocated for a southern candidate to promote national unity. Okai Austin suggested these moves were driven by personal calculations rather than regional or national interests.
He further alleged that El-Rufai’s support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket was motivated by aspirations for the vice presidency, a plan that unraveled when his ministerial nomination was challenged by a petition citing national security concerns. Okai Austin also claimed that Nuhu Ribadu, a prominent northern figure, might undermine other northern leaders to secure his own presidential ambitions for 2031, highlighting a pattern of self-interest over collective progress.
The PDP chieftain emphasized that northern Nigeria faces pressing challenges—ranging from insecurity and unemployment to widespread poverty and millions of out-of-school children. “It’s a region that demands comfort and special attention,” he said. “But instead of focusing on these problems, some leaders exploit the North for personal political gains.”
While Okai Austin’s remarks are specific to Nigeria, they echo broader concerns about political leadership globally, including in the United States, where critics often accuse politicians of prioritizing personal or partisan gain over public welfare. His call for leaders to address tangible issues like poverty and insecurity aligns with American debates over how elected officials tackle systemic problems like homelessness or gun violence. However, Okai Austin’s outspokenness has not come without cost. The Kogi State government has filed charges against him, including allegations of cyberstalking and defamation against Governor Usman Ododo, leading to his detention in February 2025. His wife, speaking to The Bureau Newspaper, described the emotional toll of his prolonged detention, especially as it coincided with the birth of their child.
Okai Austin’s critique serves as a reminder that leadership requires more than rhetoric—it demands accountability and a focus on the public good. As political discourse in both Nigeria and the U.S. grows increasingly polarized, his warning about “noise” masquerading as leadership carries universal weight. Whether in Abuja or Washington, D.C., the challenge remains: prioritize solutions over self-interest.