In a move seen as a major boost for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, a delegation of prominent northern leaders yesterday visited the leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, in Akure, Ondo State, to express their full support for his second-term ambition.
The delegation, operating under the umbrella of the Arewa Think Tank, was led by its Convener, Muhammad Yakubu, and included representatives from all 19 northern states. The group’s chairman is former Kaduna State Governor, Muktar Yero.
Speaking during the meeting, Yakubu explained that the purpose of their visit was to strengthen the historic relationship between the North and the South-West and to appreciate Afenifere’s role in promoting peace and good governance in the country.
He said the Think Tank decided to throw its weight behind President Tinubu after carefully reviewing his midterm performance and observing “meaningful progress” in several sectors, including the economy, infrastructure, and national security.
“We are here today to reaffirm that the North will continue to stand firmly with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the South-West region beyond 2027.
We are convinced that he is a leader with vision, courage, and commitment to Nigeria’s unity and development,” Yakubu said.
“We are equally grateful to the South-West for producing a Nigerian President who has shown the capacity to lead with strength and wisdom. His leadership style has begun to yield positive results, and we believe continuity is key to consolidating these gains,” he added.
The Arewa Think Tank further declared that the North would maintain its political alliance with the South-West until 2031, citing what it described as Tinubu’s “political brilliance and forward-looking economic initiatives” that are gradually reshaping the nation’s development path.
In his response, Afenifere National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, commended the northern delegation for their gesture and for showing commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
He said such collaboration between the North and the South-West was in line with the vision of the nation’s founding fathers, who worked to build a country anchored on justice, equity, and mutual respect.
“Your visit today rekindles the spirit of cooperation that guided our leaders in the early years of independence. It is only through such understanding and partnership that Nigeria can achieve stability, progress, and true nationhood,” Fasoranti said.
He described President Tinubu as “a bold and determined leader” who has demonstrated resilience and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s challenges, urging both regions to continue working together to strengthen the country’s democratic foundation.
Also speaking, Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, read a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, noting that both the Arewa Think Tank and Afenifere had resolved to work hand-in-hand to promote national unity, peace, and true federalism.
“We are on the same page with our brothers from the North. We have found in President Tinubu a leader with audacity, vision, and the courage to implement difficult reforms for the greater good of Nigeria.
This renewed Arewa–Yoruba alliance stands as a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for moral direction and strong leadership,” Omololu stated.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both sides pledging continued cooperation and dialogue in pursuit of a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.