2027: North not divided against Tinubu, Arewa Think Tank challenges critics

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has dismissed claims in some quarters by critics that the Northern part of the country was divided against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The group said on the contrary, North is firmly in support of President Tinubu on his second term bid, adding that until 2031, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock, Nigeria’s presidential seat.

This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Chief Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu.

“If Northern people are divided against President Tinubu, they are doing so at their own peril because their own son was in power for eight years without any meaningful impact in the region. So, how wise is it to displace the leader that is walking the talk and giving them hope for a better tomorrow.

“We want to agree with the Secretary General of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that the Forum is non-partisan and does not involve itself in promoting or antagonising any candidate for the presidential race.

“It is our position also that the North is not divided, it’s Tinubu all the way till 2031 because the North is always the political stabiliser of Nigeria.

“Why would anyone start to think of power grabbing barely one year and some months into Tinubu’s tenure when the President is boldly sacrificing his political popularity to rescue the country from economic bankruptcy, which many before him could not achieve.

“Our able President Tinubu, GCFR, is really sacrificing his popularity to help our nation from collapsing. He has refused to do the divide and share style of leadership. He has chosen to revamp our economy and rebuild our industries, agencies and even our international reputation.

“Recently, there have been growing concerns about opposition forces and desperate politicians from various regions, including the North, who are determined to undermine the current administration before the 2027 elections. But, it is obvious these factions, within and outside the ruling party, are driven by personal agenda rather than genuine concerns for national progress.

“Arewa Think Tank recognises that the Northern region remains steadfast in its commitment to the nation’s stability and progress. In this way, we can bet you that this commitment extends to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“The current members of the opposition, which include some who feel excluded from the corridors of power, are leveraging their positions to destabilise the government. Their efforts are less about advancing Northern interests and more about addressing their own grievances and failures.

“It is a known fact the Tinubu administration is undertaking significant reforms aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s ailing systems. These reforms, though challenging and sometimes unpopular, are designed to address deep-rooted issues and set a foundation for sustainable growth. Real change requires making tough choices that may cause short-term discomfort but are crucial for long-term improvement.

“While the immediate effects of these reforms might be harsh, it is essential to understand that such measures are often necessary to correct systemic problems. The Tinubu government, despite facing criticism, is working with a vision to steer Nigeria towards a more functional and prosperous future.

“Recognising the need for sacrifices and understanding the rationale behind hard decisions can provide a more balanced view of the administration’s efforts and intentions.” the statement said.