An open letter circulating widely on social media platforms, including Facebook, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally recognize Hausa and Fulani as distinct groups in all federal records and administrative processes.
The letter, titled “Open Letter to Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Hausawa of Nigeria Officially Request the Separation of Hausa and Fulani, is signed by Hajiya Kaltume Alumbe Jitami on behalf of the Guguwar Hausawa Tsantsa Movement – Mesa Ta Tashi, Fulani Must Go.
In the letter, the group claims that the Hausa identity has, for decades, allegedly been “merged” with Fulani identity in official records, which it argues has resulted in disadvantages in education, employment and political representation.
The group, therefore, urged President Tinubu to direct all federal institutions to begin recording Hausa and Fulani separately in admissions, employment, examinations, and other official processes.
It specifically mentioned agencies such as NECO, WAEC, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), higher institutions, and federal recruitment bodies, calling for policy guidelines and circulars to ensure the distinction is reflected in forms, records, and statistics.
The letter also demanded that forthcoming census exercises in North-West states should clearly differentiate Hausa and Fulani populations “to ensure equitable planning and allocation of resources.”
Furthermore, it requested that the word “Hausa” be boldly inscribed on national identity cards and voter cards to avoid what it described as “misclassification and loss of identity.”
While insisting that the demand was not intended to create division, the group stated that official recognition of Hausa identity would “ensure justice, fairness and protection of rights.”
The movement also linked its demand to the 2027 general elections, saying that support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition would be conditional upon the implementation of the requested separation in federal documentation and procedures.
According to the letter, granting the request would “demonstrate the President’s commitment to inclusivity, equity and respect for Nigeria’s diversity.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency and relevant federal agencies have not issued an official response to the letter.
The authenticity of signatories and the strength of membership in the movement have also not been independently verified.
The call comes amid ongoing national conversations around identity, representation and federal character in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic federation.
