Yerima Shettima, the President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, has stated that the northern region has not yet reached a consensus on whether to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
Shettima’s comments follow remarks by Mamman Osuman, the suspended National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, who recently stated that the north might support a candidate from the region to challenge Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to address the nation’s economic challenges.
Speaking in an interview, Shettima emphasized that discussions about Tinubu’s second term were ongoing in the north, with the region still evaluating his performance in office.
He pointed out that the decision would ultimately depend on Tinubu’s governance record, particularly his policies and their impact on the north and the country as a whole.
Shettima also acknowledged that while some individuals in the north have expressed dissatisfaction with certain policies of the current administration, it was premature to form a collective decision on supporting or opposing Tinubu in the upcoming election.
“There has been no decision by the north to oppose Tinubu. However, those dissatisfied with his administration have the right to express their concerns. The north has not yet united on a stance regarding his re-election, and there’s no urgency for that decision.” he said
He further explained that those critical of the president’s policies are calling for adjustments, particularly in areas that directly affect the well-being of Nigerians.
Shettima added that while the north’s position on the 2027 election was still fluid, no move had been made to actively campaign against the president.
When asked about the possibility of supporting a northern candidate in 2027, Shettima said, “If Tinubu does well, I would support a northern candidate to succeed him. But if his performance does not meet expectations, then we will all collectively make a move in the next election.”
Shettima concluded, there was no reason for the north to form an opposition front against Tinubu, stressing that the situation remained open for further evaluation.
