A coalition of Northern youth groups, under the aegis of the Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF), has reaffirmed its commitment to power rotation in Nigeria, declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete his two-term tenure in the interest of national unity and political stability. The coalition also cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against attempts to undermine the established principle of rotational presidency for personal political ambition.
The NYF, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Sama Musa, said consultations were already ongoing with political leaders and other stakeholders across the northern region ahead of the 2031 elections. The coalition emphasized that the North remains a resilient, permanent pillar of the nation with deep political foresight. Musa made this known during a press briefing in Abuja over the weekend.
The coalition sharply criticized Atiku for attempting to create division among patriotic Nigerians to serve his personal aspirations, noting that his political timeline does not dictate the strategic interests of Northern Nigeria. The group accused Atiku of attempting to create divisions among Nigerians in pursuit of his presidential ambition, insisting that the former Vice President's political timeline should not be allowed to determine the broader interests of the northern region.
According to the NYF, the presidency is rotated among regions, not individuals, and Atiku does not represent the entirety of the North. The coalition noted that the North has existed long before now and will continue to thrive, just as it did after great leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Aminu Kano, Maitama Sule, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
The NYF reiterated that 2031 remains the designated turn for Northern Nigeria as a collective region, cautioning that no individual's personal ambition will be permitted to undermine the unity and political balance of the nation. The coalition fully endorsed waiting until 2031 for the next northern presidential term, saying they have no problem whatsoever waiting until then.
The group also emphasized that power rotation in Nigeria is structured to rotate between the North and the South, not personal ambitions. The NYF concluded by saying that the North is in no rush to prematurely interrupt power sharing.
Key stakeholders, including political leaders and other interest groups, are expected to continue consultations on the 2031 presidential election. The NYF's position is seen as a significant development in the country's politics, with implications for future power transitions.
Key points
- The Northern Youth Frontiers reaffirmed its commitment to power rotation in Nigeria.
- The coalition cautioned Atiku Abubakar against attempts to undermine the rotational presidency principle.
- The NYF fully endorsed waiting until 2031 for the next northern presidential term.
