Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged northern political leaders to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, assuring them that the region stands to benefit further if the administration secures another term.
Shettima gave the assurance on Monday while receiving members of Arewa for Tinubu (A4T), a political support group campaigning for Tinubu’s return to office.
He called on political stakeholders in the North to unite behind the administration, arguing that continued support for the President would help advance development, improve living conditions and promote stability across the region.
According to the Vice President, the North has already benefited from the administration’s policies, appointments and development initiatives, with further gains possible if Tinubu is re-elected.
Shettima said, “Let’s unite as a people and work for the development of our region and the progress of our people through the re-election of this administration. We are benefiting and we stand to benefit more from this government in many ways.”
To support his argument, Shettima cited the Bank of Agriculture’s disbursement of N450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
He said approximately 70 per cent of the beneficiaries were from northern Nigeria, presenting the figures as evidence of the administration’s support for the region.
“The Bank of Agriculture has disbursed N450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers in Nigeria and about 70 percent of the beneficiaries are from the north,” he said.
The Vice President also pointed to major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, expressing confidence that their completion would contribute to development in different parts of the country.
He added that Tinubu remained committed to the North and would continue to work for the region’s progress.
Speaking at the meeting, former Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru, identified as the Director-General of Arewa for Asiwaju, said the group would continue its efforts to secure support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
Badaru disclosed that the organisation had held several engagements with key political figures and planned further consultations to strengthen its campaign.
He also said the group was working with the Presidential Campaign Council, focusing particularly on grassroots mobilisation across local government areas and wards.
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According to him, the organisation intended to complement the broader campaign structure by maintaining contact with voters at the grassroots level.
Shekarau Reaffirms Group’s Support
Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, who chairs the group’s Board of Trustees, also reaffirmed its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
Shekarau said the organisation, which supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, was prepared to mobilise support for him again in 2027.
He also invited Shettima to officially commission the group’s office complex.
The meeting was attended by several former governors and other political figures, including former Plateau State governors Joshua Dariye and Simon Lalong; former Taraba State Governor Jolly Nyame; former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello; former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema; and former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda.
Also present were the President’s Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa, alongside other government officials and members of the organisation.