“Tinubu Must Complete Eight-Year Southern Tenure” — Arewa Youth Assembly

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has called for continuity in Nigeria’s presidency, urging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure for the South and advising Northern politicians against entering the 2027 presidential race.

In a statement released on Sunday in Kaduna, Speaker Mohammed Salihu Danlami said the group’s position is anchored on political stability and what it described as respect for an informal zoning arrangement.

He argued that the presidency should remain in place until 2031, stating that allowing Tinubu to complete two terms would support national cohesion and continuity in governance.

AYA referenced the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that Southern political actors did not mount a major challenge during his eight years in office. It said this precedent should guide current political considerations.

The group warned Northern aspirants against contesting in 2027, saying such moves would undermine what it described as an established political understanding and could face resistance from youth groups in the region.

On governance, the Assembly expressed support for ongoing economic reforms under the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and fiscal adjustments it said were improving Nigeria’s financial outlook.

It also pointed to security operations across Northern states, citing military interventions against armed groups and efforts that have led to the rescue of kidnapped victims. The group commended National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for coordinating security responses.

While acknowledging progress, AYA urged government officials to improve public communication around policies, especially at the grassroots level, to strengthen public trust and awareness.

The group described the 2027 election as a test of continuity, reaffirming its support for Tinubu’s re-election bid and insisting that national unity should take priority over regional or personal ambitions.