The northern region of Nigeria has yet to take a unified stance on whether to back President Bola Tinubu’s potential bid for a second term in 2027, according to Yerima Shettima, President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum.
His comments follow remarks by the suspended National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mamman Osuman, who recently declared that the north would support a candidate from the region against Tinubu in the next election to rescue both the region and the country from what he described as widespread hardship.
In an interview, Shettima clarified that while such discussions are underway, no collective decision has been reached. He emphasised that the north’s eventual position would hinge on Tinubu’s performance in office.
“The north has not taken any position against Tinubu yet,” Shettima said. “Those dissatisfied with his government have the right to voice their anger. But there is no unified decision to oppose him, nor is there any rush to make one. Many of us are still watching to see if the government can improve its policies and bring relief to Nigerians.”
Shettima acknowledged growing discontent over some of the administration’s decisions, but noted that the region remained open to reassessing its support should Tinubu’s governance improve.
“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. That’s what we’re encouraging him to do. Anyone claiming that the north has already ganged up against him is not being truthful,” he added.
On the possibility of supporting a northern candidate in the next election, Shettima said, “Why wouldn’t I want someone from the north to succeed Tinubu? If he does well, we’ll wait for eight years. But if his performance is poor, we will collectively work against him in 2027. For now, there is no justification to gang up against him prematurely.”
Shettima’s remarks highlight the cautious approach being taken by northern political leaders, who wield significant influence in Nigeria’s electoral landscape. For the moment, the region appears to be taking a “wait and see” approach, as Tinubu’s policies face increasing scrutiny from various quarters.
