302
By Tracy Moses
The endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office by the ruling All Progressives Congress and some state governors may not be enough to procure northern votes in 2027, some Arewa chieftains have said.
President Tinubu has received the backing of his party at various causes even as some governors have pledged to work for his victory across their various states.
Similarly, the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives have also pledged the support of the parliament in re-electing the President in 2027.
Pointblanknews.com gathered that prominent Nothern group including the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum are not impressed with the stewardship of President Tinubu and have vowed to seek an alternative in 2027.
Former President aide in the Office of the Vice President, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed is said the face of the opoosition working behind the scene to frustrate Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Speaking with our correspondent in Abuja, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mr Anthony Sani stated that North hardly goes the same direction in partisan politics, stressing that only the endorsement of the President by APC governors of northern extraction would translate to votes for Tinubu.
He said, “When it comes to partisan politics, northerners hardly speak with one voice.That is why it was the APC governors from the north who brought about the emergence of Bola Tinubu in both primaries and general elections.
“PDP governors from the north worked for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and not for Bola Tinubu in the north during the last elections. In the same way, only the endorsement by APC governors from the north would have electoral values for President Bola Tinubu.”
On his part, the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima regional sentiment and historical context may work against the 2027 re-election bid of President Tinubu.
He said, “While the endorsement of Bola Tinubu by northern governors and the northern APC caucus may provide a foundation for his campaign, it is not a panacea for securing Northern votes in the 2027 elections.
“The intricate interplay of historical context, regional sentiment, ethnicity, governance performance, and grassroots movements presents a complex terrain that Tinubu must navigate with skill and sensitivity. To succeed, he must transcend mere endorsements and foster genuine connections with northern voters, addressing their concerns and aspirations with sincerity and commitment.
“To understand the complexities of northern voting behaviour, one must consider the historical context of Nigerian politics. The north has traditionally wielded significant political power, with its leaders often dictating the terms of national governance.
“However, the political allegiance of northern voters is not solely determined by party affiliation or endorsements; it is deeply influenced by regional identity, socio-economic factors, and the prevailing political climate.”
The AYCF chief warned Tinubu to take his endorsement by northern APC stakeholders with a pinch of salt, stressing by partisan loyalty is not as important to the people as the performance of elected leaders.
“The north has witnessed a gradual shift in political consciousness, with an increasing emphasis on local issues and the performance of elected officials over party loyalty.
“Tinubu’s endorsement by northern governors may resonate with some factions within the region, yet it cannot overshadow the broader sentiments of discontent that have emerged in recent years. Voters are increasingly inclined to assess candidates based on their ability to address these pressing issues rather than their affiliations with powerful political figures.
“Moreover, the political landscape is further complicated by the emergence of regional parties and movements that advocate for local interests. The rise of these entities reflects a growing desire among northern voters to assert their autonomy and prioritise regional concerns.
“As such, Tinubu’s ability to connect with the electorate on a personal level and demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing northern issues will be critical in overcoming these ethnic and religious barriers,” he added.
That said, Shettima said the perception of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration may impact Tinubu’s re-election bid one way or the other.
“The legacy of the Buhari administration may cast a long shadow over Tinubu’s campaign. Voters may associate Tinubu with the Buhari government, leading to a potential backlash against him.
“To counter this narrative, Tinubu will need to articulate a clear vision for the north that distinguishes his leadership style and policy priorities from those of his predecessor. Emphasizing a commitment to security, economic revitalization, and social welfare will be essential in winning the trust of northern voters, ” he stressed.