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 comes 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,” Shettima added.
“Some of us believe the government can still do something.”
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 said.
However, he cautioned that if the president’s performance falters, the region would come together to work against him in the next election.
For now, Shettima insisted, there is no reason for the north to begin mobilising against Tinubu, as discussions and evaluations of his administration are still ongoing.
