Arewa urges Northern leaders to reject Obi

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com 08034905774

A prominent northern socio-political group, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), has urged political, traditional and religious leaders across Northern Nigeria to reject the presidential ambition of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general election.

The group said the North should carefully assess the credentials, policies and commitment of all presidential aspirants before offering support, insisting that the region’s political and economic interests must remain paramount.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, AYCF President-General Yerima Shettima argued that while every Nigerian has a constitutional right to seek elective office, northern leaders must prioritise candidates whose vision and programmes directly address the region’s pressing challenges.

According to Shettima, the North continues to grapple with insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, food insecurity and declining agricultural productivity, issues he said require leaders with practical solutions and a clear understanding of the region’s realities.

He called on governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other influential stakeholders in the North to resist what he described as politically motivated campaigns capable of undermining the region’s collective interests.

“The North must not allow sentiment or emotions to influence its political decisions. Our leaders must carefully evaluate every presidential candidate based on competence, credibility, capacity and commitment to addressing the developmental needs of our people,” Shettima said.

The AYCF leader maintained that northern political leaders should embark on broad consultations before making endorsements ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that unity among the region’s stakeholders would strengthen its negotiating position in national politics.

He also urged northern youths to remain peaceful and participate actively in the democratic process, warning against violence, hate speech and political intolerance as campaigns gradually gather momentum.

Shettima said the forum was not opposed to any individual or political party but believed that the North must support a candidate whose policies align with its aspirations for security, economic growth, education, agriculture and national cohesion.

The statement comes amid increasing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with major political parties and emerging coalitions intensifying efforts to build support across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Peter Obi, who recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), has continued consultations with political leaders, civil society organisations and supporters across the country as he seeks to build a broad national coalition for the 2027 race.

Although the AYCF’s position reflects the views of the organisation, political analysts note that it adds to the growing debate over regional alignments and electoral calculations ahead of the next general election. They observe that securing significant support from the North is expected to remain a key factor for all major presidential contenders.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, observers expect more endorsements, counter-endorsements and policy debates from regional groups and political stakeholders, underscoring the intensifying contest for Nigeria’s highest office ahead of the 2027 polls.