• Region solidly behind President ahead of next polls, says Matawalle
• Northern group backs Tinubu’s re-election, declares no vacancy in Aso Rock
• Former LP treasurer faults Abure, opposes ethnic approach to Igbo presidency
• Atiku appoints ex-Zulum’s aide as special assistant on youth engagement
More Northern voices at the weekend gave the all-clear to President Bola Tinubu, insisting he has the region’s full backing to hold the reins of power until 2031.
The assurances came as some Northern politicians, notably former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, recently cast doubts on Tinubu’s 2027 electoral chances in the region.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, dismissed Dr Babachir Lawal’s recent remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election, asserting that the North remains solidly behind the President.
Babachir was Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2015 to 2017.
In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Matawalle, Northerner, praised Tinubu’s performance in office, stating that he has initiated significant reforms benefiting all regions of Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that the North would overwhelmingly support Tinubu to sustain the progress achieved during his tenure.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been in office for just 19 months, has made significant contributions to all regions of Nigeria, including the North,” the statement reads. “The people of the North will rally behind Mr President to build upon the achievements and reforms he has initiated.”
Matawalle outlined the key achievements of Tinubu’s administration, particularly in terms of security, economic development, and infrastructure. He noted that in 2024 alone, Nigerian security forces neutralised over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, arrested 11,600 criminals, and recovered more than 10,000 weapons.
Additionally, the rescue of approximately 8,000 kidnap victims and the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC), in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency, have reinforced the administration’s commitment to ensuring national security.
The minister highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a transformative economic initiative aimed at harnessing the North’s agricultural potential. “This initiative is expected to promote economic growth, empower millions—especially women and youths—and contribute to food security. The recent decline in grain prices nationwide underscores the effectiveness of these policies,” he said.
Infrastructure development has also been a focus, with significant investments in road construction and transportation networks to spur economic growth in the North. Furthermore, Tinubu’s administration introduced local government autonomy, enabling grassroots governance and fostering accountability.
Matawalle criticised Lawal’s comments as divisive and urged critics to objectively evaluate the administration’s record. “The cries of dissent should not overshadow the tangible progress being made,” he remarked. He reiterated that the North remains steadfast in its support for Tinubu’s vision of a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
Matawalle called for unity and continued support for the President, affirming that Tinubu’s reforms represent hope and progress for Nigerians across all demographics. “Our support for President Tinubu is unwavering and unshakeable. We stand firmly behind his vision for a prosperous and secure Nigeria,” he added.
Also, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT), a Northern socio-political group, expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, stating that the North remains united in its backing of the President.
The group challenged critics to provide evidence of any regional division regarding Tinubu’s leadership.
In a statement issued by Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the Chief Convener of ATT, and made available to journalists in Kaduna yesterday, the group declared that there will be “no vacancy in Aso Rock” until 2031.
Yakubu criticised detractors of the President, highlighting the progress being made under Tinubu’s administration.
“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?” the statement read.
Yakubu praised Tinubu’s commitment to rescuing Nigeria from economic challenges and rebuilding critical sectors. He noted that the President’s focus on reviving industries, enhancing government agencies, and restoring the country’s international reputation reflects a selfless approach to governance.
“Our able President Tinubu is really sacrificing his popularity to help our nation from collapsing. He has refused to adopt a divide-and-share style of leadership, choosing instead to revamp our economy and rebuild our industries, agencies, and even our international reputation,” Yakubu said.
The ATT also aligned with the position of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), which recently reiterated its non-partisan stance. Yakubu highlighted that the North has historically played a stabilising role in Nigerian politics and remains committed to the nation’s progress.
“It is our position 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?” the statement questioned.
Yakubu expressed concern over the activities of opposition forces and politicians, including those from the North, who appear determined to undermine the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 elections. He argued that such factions are driven by personal agendas rather than genuine concerns for national progress.
The ATT reaffirmed the Northern region’s unwavering support for Tinubu, asserting that his policies and leadership style are paving the way for stability and growth. “In this wise, we can bet you that this commitment extends to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027,” Yakubu affirmed.
HOWEVER, the opposition Labour Party (LP), following a remarkable outing in 2023, appeared disunited about 2027.
Oluchi Oparah, a former LP National Treasurer, criticised the party’s National Chairman, Mr Julius Abure, for suggesting that Ndigbo should secure the presidency through ethnic alignment.
Oparah stressed that the presidency must be attained through merit, not tribal sentiment.
Her statement came in response to Abure’s remarks during a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo presidency in 2027.
Abure noted that the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region and called on Igbo leaders to consolidate their political efforts.
Oparah disagreed strongly with this approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement undermines national unity and meritocracy.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she stated.
Citing Mr Peter Obi’s performance in the 2023 general elections, Oparah argued that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” she said.
She also criticised Abure’s rhetoric, describing it as counterproductive. “Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she added.
Oparah called on political leaders to prioritise a unifying national agenda, warning that emphasising ethnic politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
At the Abuja rally, Abure emphasised that the LP remains a viable platform for Igbo presidential aspirations in 2027 and beyond.
He reaffirmed that zoning the party’s 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East was a deliberate move to address historical injustices, saying: “We decided to wipe the tears of the Igbo, and we did so powerfully and courageously in 2023. We have no regrets about our decision.”
However, he urged the South-East leadership to work towards greater political alignment with other regions, drawing parallels to the Yoruba political strategy that led to eventual success in Nigeria’s presidency.
“The Igbo need more realignment with other sections of the country. The Yoruba once faced similar struggles but achieved their goal through strategic alliances. The same lesson applies here.”
He further stressed the importance of unity and collective leadership within the South-East, calling on political actors to speak with one voice to enhance their chances of success in 2027.
Meanwhile, with the 2027 elections on his mind, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed Tanimu Tahir as his Special Assistant on Youth Engagement and Strategy.
Tahir, who hails from Marama town in Hawul Local Council, Borno State, previously served as Special Assistant on Radio Affairs during Governor Babagana Zulum’s first tenure.
The appointment, announced in a letter made available to the press, describes Tahir as a “dynamic and results-driven youth development and strategic communications specialist” with over a decade of experience in youth development, civic engagement, campaign strategy, and media relations.
According to the letter, Tahir’s appointment reflects Atiku’s commitment to prioritising the aspirations, challenges, and innovative contributions of young Nigerians. His role is expected to strengthen the engagement between the Atiku 2027 campaign and Nigeria’s youth population.
“Tanimu’s appointment signals a renewed focus on ensuring that the aspirations, challenges, and innovative contributions of young Nigerians are not only acknowledged but actively integrated into the national conversation,” the statement reads.
As Special Assistant, Tahir will spearhead initiatives to connect Atiku with the nation’s vibrant youth demographic. His responsibilities will include developing a comprehensive youth mobilisation strategy, leveraging digital platforms, grassroots activism, and town hall engagements to foster meaningful dialogue with young citizens.
The letter also outlines Tahir’s role in leading public relations efforts that will amplify Atiku’s vision for youth-driven national progress. “Tanimu will craft compelling narratives, coordinate media outreach, and launch dynamic social media campaigns to ensure the campaign’s messaging resonates with young voters and inspires active participation in shaping the country’s future,” it states.