KADUNA — The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure for the Southern region, cautioning Northern politicians against contesting the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, said there was “no vacancy in Aso Rock until May 29, 2031,” stressing that the principle of zoning and rotational presidency must be respected to sustain national unity.
The group argued that the North benefitted from a similar arrangement under former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that no major Southern contender disrupted his two-term tenure.
“This is not a matter for debate. In the supreme interest of national cohesion and continuity of governance, Northern political actors must refrain from contesting the presidency in 2027,” the statement said.
AYA warned that any attempt by Northern aspirants to join the race would be resisted by youths across the region, describing such a move as a breach of the country’s informal zoning understanding.
The Assembly also expressed support for the Tinubu administration’s economic and security reforms, stating that recent policy measures were beginning to yield results.
It cited gains from the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification and improvements in external reserves, adding that Nigeria’s fiscal position was showing signs of recovery, including a reduction in the debt service-to-revenue ratio.
On security, the group commended ongoing military operations and intelligence coordination, noting successes in tackling banditry and securing the release of kidnapped victims, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The youths also praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his role in coordinating security efforts and advancing reforms.
While acknowledging progress, the Assembly urged government officials to improve communication with citizens at the grassroots level to enhance public awareness of ongoing reforms.
“It is not enough to work in silence. Government officials must engage the people and highlight the gains being recorded to strengthen public confidence,” the statement added.
The group described the 2027 general election as a referendum on continuity, pledging strong support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and insisting that national unity must take precedence over personal or regional ambitions.
“We stand firmly with the President and assure him of the unshakeable support of Northern youths. The call for continuity is clear, and it will prevail,” the statement said.
