2027: North yet to decide on Tinubu’s second term bid – Arewa Youths

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has stated that the northern region has not yet reached a unified decision on whether to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.

Yerima Shettima, the forum’s President General, clarified during an interview with Saturday PUNCH that the North is still assessing Tinubu’s performance before taking a collective stance.

This comes after the suspended National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mamman Osuman, declared last week that the North would back a candidate from the region in 2027 to address what he described as increasing hardship under Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima dismissed claims of a northern consensus against Tinubu, stating that the region’s influence and eventual decision would depend on the President’s ability to address Nigerians’ concerns.

He said, “The North has not taken any position against Tinubu yet. However, those dissatisfied with his administration have the right to express their grievances. At this point, we encourage Tinubu to revise some of his policies to better meet Nigerians’ needs.”

Shettima added, “Anyone claiming the North has united against Tinubu is lying. We haven’t made such a decision, nor do I see us doing so anytime soon. Some believe the government still has time to make improvements.”

Regarding the possibility of a northern candidate contesting against Tinubu in 2027, Shettima remarked, “Why wouldn’t I want someone from the North to succeed Tinubu? If he performs well, then after eight years, it will be the North’s turn. If not, we will collectively work against him in the next election. For now, there is no reason to gang up against him.”