Political commentator Saddiq Buhari has strongly criticized a recent opinion piece titled "No Kwara North," written by Faruq Atofarati, describing it as an unfair attempt to portray the region as politically irrelevant.

Buhari's reaction follows the publication of the article, which argued against preferential zoning considerations for Kwara North. The piece specifically questioned the 2027 political ambitions of the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, and other stakeholders from the zone.

In a sharp rebuttal, Buhari maintained that no individual or group has the authority to discourage any part of the state from seeking leadership. He emphasized that Kwara North is a "constitutionally equal region" whose citizens do not require "elite approval" to participate in the democratic process.

"Kwara North is not a political error. It is not a footnote," Buhari stated. He further accused supporters of Professor Abubakar Suleiman of employing proxies to attack perceived political opponents instead of engaging in healthy, issue-based debates. He argued that such tactics are often deployed when credible arguments fail.

Buhari also took issue with comments reportedly made by Professor Suleiman at a public event, which he interpreted as being dismissive of younger political actors. According to Buhari, these remarks reflect a broader, unacceptable disregard for the political aspirations of the people of Kwara North as the state begins to look toward the next election cycle.

According to Buhari, attempts to describe the region as politically exhausted amount to anti-democratic rhetoric.

"Calling Kwara North incapable or politically spent is not analysis; it is anti-democratic," he said.

Buhari further defended Speaker Danladi-Salihu, saying that zoning is not the basis of the Speaker's ambition but only an added consideration.

According to him, Danladi has served for six years as Speaker without recorded labour disputes. He added that the focus on regional dismissal appears to divert attention from unresolved public questions surrounding Suleiman's leadership at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

He urged: "Instead of deflecting through regional contempt, he should address the questions around his public record and leadership."

The "No Kwara North" essay has continued to generate debate across political circles in Kwara State as discussions over zoning, capacity and leadership intensify ahead of future political contests.