By Ibrahim Muhammad
Some prominent northern leaders on Monday visited the leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, to declare their collaboration with the South-West in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The northern leaders, under the aegis of the Arewa Think Tank, said their decision was informed by the president’s impressive midterm performance and commitment to national development.
The convener of the group, Muhammad Yakubu, who led the delegation to the residence of Afenifere’s National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State, explained that the Think Tank comprises professionals from the 19 northern states. He noted that a former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Mukhtar Yero, serves as the group’s chairman.
Yakubu said, “We are here today to renew our relationship with the South-West and reassure the region that the North stands firmly behind President Ahmed Tinubu. We want to thank you, Pa Fasoranti, for giving Nigeria a visionary and determined president who has shown great commitment in his first two years in office.
“We are also here to present to you the president’s midterm scorecard, which we find impressive. We are confident that, with sustained inter-regional collaboration and support, President Tinubu will take Nigeria to the promised land. We appreciate the South-West elders, particularly Afenifere, for their continued support.”
Speaking on behalf of Pa Fasoranti, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and traditional ruler of Ilu Abo community in Ondo State, Oba Olu Falae, commended the northern leaders for their visit and show of solidarity.
Falae expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration’s ongoing reforms would yield benefits for all Nigerians, noting the president’s bold economic policies.
He said, “We thank God that we now have a civilian president who understands Nigeria’s problems and has the courage to tackle them. The removal of fuel subsidy was a necessary but difficult step, as it ended a system that enriched a few at the expense of the masses.
“Also, as an economist, I was concerned about the existence of multiple exchange rates in the country. No nation can progress or attract investors under such conditions. President Tinubu had the courage to unify the exchange rate system. Although the immediate effects were tough, these reforms were essential, and we are beginning to see signs of improvement, especially with food prices gradually coming down.”
In his remarks, Afenifere’s Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, described the visit and declaration of support from the northern leaders as a welcome development. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
