- Arewa Youth Forum said the northern region has not yet decided on supporting President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid
- Discussions are ongoing within the north, with concerns over some of Tinubu’s policies
- There are suggestions that the region may back a northern candidate in 2027
The President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, has revealed that the northern region has not yet taken a unified stance on whether to support or oppose President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
This statement came after Mamman Osuman, the suspended National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, suggested last week that the north should back a candidate from the region to contest against Tinubu in 2027, in a bid to address the region's challenges.
In an interview, Shettima stated that discussions are ongoing within the northern region, but no collective decision has been made yet regarding Tinubu's second term.
He emphasised that the region, known for its significant political influence, would base its decision on the performance of Tinubu’s government.
While acknowledging that some individuals in the north are dissatisfied with certain policies of the current administration, Shettima affirmed that they had the right to voice their concerns. He also noted that there was no rush for the north to make a decision on who to support in 2027.
“The north has not taken any position against Tinubu yet,” Shettima said.
“Some of our people are saying Tinubu should change some of his policies and come up with more friendly ones that will put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. This is what we are encouraging him to do.”
He further clarified that despite some criticisms, the region has not united in opposition to the president, and those suggesting otherwise are misinformed.
"Anyone who tells you that the north has ganged up against Tinubu is lying. Some of us believe the government can still do something,” Shettima added.
When asked about the possibility of supporting a northern candidate in 2027, Shettima expressed a preference for a northern successor if Tinubu performs well during his first term.
“I want somebody from the north to succeed Tinubu after eight years, if he does well,” he further stated.
However, he cautioned that if the president’s performance falters, the region would come together to work against him in the next election.
2027 presidency: Bala Mohammed announces intention, offers Tinubu campaign role
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has declared his intention in the 2027 presidential election during the launch of the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) campaign for the August 17 local government election in Bauchi State on Wednesday, August 7.
The PDP Governor said Tinubu’s policies are not working and if it continues, he will invite the President to serve as the campaign director for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.
