The northern region is yet to make a unified decision on whether to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, according to Yerima Shettima, the President General of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum. Shettima revealed that ongoing discussions are focused on evaluating Tinubu’s performance before determining the region’s stance.

This statement comes amidst comments by the suspended National Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mamman Osuman, who suggested last week that the north might back a northern candidate against Tinubu to address hardships in the region and the country. Shettima, however, clarified that such a decision has not been reached.

“The north has not taken any position against Tinubu yet, but those who are not satisfied with his government have the right to voice their anger against him,” Shettima said during an interview. He emphasized that there is no rush to decide and encouraged Tinubu to adopt more people-friendly policies that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

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Shettima highlighted that the north, with its strong political influence, will base its final decision on Tinubu’s performance in office. “Anyone who tells you that the north has ganged up against Tinubu is lying. We have not arrived at that decision yet, and I don’t think we are getting there yet,” he stated, adding that the government still has time to address grievances and meet expectations.

On whether the region would eventually support a northern candidate against Tinubu, Shettima noted, “I want somebody from the north to succeed Tinubu after eight years if he does well. But if he doesn’t do well, in the next election, we will all collectively come out to work against him.”

The comments underscore the cautious approach of northern leaders as they assess the president’s policies and performance ahead of the 2027 general election. While dissatisfaction exists among some northern groups, Shettima maintained that there is no collective agreement yet to oppose Tinubu’s re-election.