APC Faces Growing Discontent in Northern Nigeria Ahead of 2027

The chant "Ba ma yi," translating to "we don’t want it" or "we reject it," has emerged prominently in protests across northern Nigeria in 2026, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach. Notably, on June 23, 2026, residents in Diko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State protested against the allocation of 500 hectares of farmland to Abuja Steel Mills Limited for a solar farm, claiming inadequate consultation.

The chant gained political significance in Kaduna State in October, where youths expressed their discontent during a visit by Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, aimed at rallying support for President Tinubu's re-election. The slogan reappeared during Tinubu's campaign flag-off in Kaduna on October 24, with attendees citing dissatisfaction over insecurity and economic policies.

The chant was also heard in Katsina State during Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s visit. Despite violence disrupting campaign activities, Radda continued with the planned events, with party sources indicating internal differences within the APC as the cause.