The Arewa Unity Forum, AUF, has rejected ex-Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu’s statement that the South should be allowed to complete a second presidential term in 2027, describing the position as a personal opinion that does not reflect the collective stance of the North.
In a statement titled ‘Our North, Our Pride’, issued by its Chairman, Ambassador Nasiru Umar Dutsinma, the group said Aliyu’s statement contradicts the constitutional rights of the North to freely participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choice, regardless of any informal political arrangements.
The Forum criticized what it called a “misguided political narrative” that misrepresents the interests and values of the North, warning that invoking regional unity to justify non-inclusive political deals is deceptive and dangerous.
“The Arewa Unity Forum believes that the former governor’s support for zoning the presidency to the South in 2027 lacks constitutional basis and does not align with the legacy of the late Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who stood for equity, justice, and strong regional development,” the statement said.
The AUF also condemned what it described as the continued marginalization of the North under the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration, citing the prolonged delay in completing key infrastructure like the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway.
It alleged that a company linked to President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, was recently awarded a contract for a portion of the road, further fueling concerns over favoritism.
“The North has been left behind in the last 12 years under the APC, yet some elites continue to champion political loyalty over the welfare of their people,” the Forum said.
The group also criticized Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy, which it claimed has worsened poverty, unemployment and inflation in the region. It called on the President to prioritize reforms that directly alleviate suffering in northern communities.
On the 2027 general elections, the AUF stated its firm intention to back a northern presidential candidate, rejecting any pressure to support a southern continuation in the name of party consensus or rotational arrangements not grounded in the Constitution.
“We are no longer political illiterates,” the group declared. “Northern Nigerians will defend their democratic rights and refuse to be manipulated by temporary arrangements that serve the interests of a few at the expense of the majority.”
The Forum urged Northern elites to focus on the socio-economic development of the region rather than lobbying for the president’s re-election, warning that any support without concrete reforms will have a negative impact.
The AUF in the statement made available to our reporter in Taraba State on Sunday, appealed to the North to reject leaders it described as desperate and unaccountable, calling for a return to values of transparency, justice and regional pride.
“The Arewa Unity Forum will fully support any northern candidate in 2027 with the help of Almighty God. We must stand united to safeguard the dignity and future of our region,” it said.
