2027 elections: Why northern youths are supporting Tinubu – Official

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing developments in security, military welfare, pension administration and rural electrification.

The group, in a statement, signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, said its position followed consultations with traditional leaders, political analysts, youth groups, agrarian unions and civil society actors across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

AYAGL said it believed some of the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration were having positive effects on communities across the region, particularly in the areas of security and economic development.

On security, the group commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his role in coordinating military operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.

It also welcomed measures it attributed to the administration to improve the salaries, allowances and hazard benefits of members of the armed forces, saying improved welfare was important for sustaining the morale of personnel operating in difficult security environments.

The group similarly praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his role in coordinating intelligence and security agencies, particularly in efforts to address terrorism, banditry and other security challenges.

On pension administration, AYAGL commended the Military Pensions Board for measures it said had improved the processing and payment of pensions to retired military personnel, including the use of technology and stronger financial controls.

The organisation also highlighted the Rural Electrification Agency, particularly its expansion of solar mini-grids and other off-grid electricity projects in rural communities.

It credited the Managing Director/CEO of the agency, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, with contributing to efforts to expand electricity access, saying improved power supply could support small businesses, agriculture and other economic activities in rural areas.

AYAGL said the various interventions had influenced its decision to support continuity under the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 election.

The group also appealed to political actors in the North to conduct their campaigns responsibly and avoid issues that could create unnecessary divisions among communities.

It said Northern youths should remain focused on issues that affect their welfare and future, including security, employment, education, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

AYAGL maintained that its support for Tinubu was based on its assessment of the administration’s policies and programmes, urging Nigerians to assess the government on its performance as the 2027 election approaches.