Nigeria’s Political Elite Accused of Fueling Boko Haram to Destabilize Tinubu’s Government

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, has claimed that elements within Nigeria’s political establishment are deliberately fuelling the Boko Haram insurgency to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Kalu made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday. According to him, the same strategy was employed against former President Muhammadu Buhari, where terrorism was used as a political tool.

“The political class is behind Boko Haram. They are using terrorism as a tool to fight Tinubu, just like they did with past administrations,” Kalu said.

When asked to be specific, Kalu accused politicians, senior civil servants, and wealthy business figures of backing the insurgency to destabilize the country for political advantage.

“This isn’t just about money for some of them—it’s about seizing power by any means,” he said. “They want to break the system down to take control, and that’s not the right path to leadership.”

He described the security situation in Nigeria as one driven by political motives, arguing that the violence is part of a calculated effort by powerful interests seeking control.

Kalu’s remarks come in the wake of a deadly incident in Borno State’s Guzamala Local Government Area, where suspected Boko Haram members killed nine people using improvised explosive devices.

His comments also follow a warning from the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, who recently stated that Boko Haram fighters and bandits are now deeply embedded in local communities. Sanusi made the remarks during the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.