Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that Northern Nigeria has nothing to fear about President Bola Tinubu's re-election, urging regional leaders to support his bid for a second term. He made this declaration in Abuja when receiving a delegation from Arewa for Tinubu (A4A), a northern-based think tank. Shettima emphasized that the administration's second-term agenda is crucial to the region's prosperity and stability. The Vice-President highlighted the North's progress and well-being as priorities for the administration.
Shettima cited various appointments, projects, and programs that benefit the region, demonstrating the administration's commitment to the North. He mentioned that the Bank of Agriculture has disbursed N450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers in Nigeria, with about 70 per cent of the beneficiaries from the North. The Vice-President assured that President Tinubu loves the North and will work for the region's development. He urged northern leaders and citizens to unite behind Tinubu's re-election bid.
The Arewa for Tinubu (A4A) group has pledged to secure northern support for Tinubu's re-election. The group's Director-General, Abubakar Badaru, a former Jigawa Governor, stated that A4A would engage religious leaders, including Muslim and Christian clerics, and other prominent Nigerians to explain the need to support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027. The group plans to intensify mobilisation across wards, communities, and local government areas.
A4A's efforts to support Tinubu's re-election include discussions with high-profile individuals and grassroots mobilisation activities. Badaru revealed that the group has met with high-profile individuals several times, and the Board of Trustees is meeting them again to consolidate gains. The group is also supporting the Presidential Campaign Council with specific activities.
The organisation's Board of Trustees Chairman, Ibrahim Shekarau, a former Kano Governor, stated that A4A had worked for Tinubu's election in the 2023 general election and would repeat the effort in 2027. Shekarau said the group has been engaging northern governors and other stakeholders to explore areas of collaboration. A4A has concluded plans to establish a full-fledged secretariat to coordinate its activities.
Shekarau formally invited Shettima to commission the A4A office complex on October 17. The complex will have offices for directors and state coordinators to compare reports, analyse them, and give instructions to members. This move aims to enhance the group's organisational structure and effectiveness in supporting Tinubu's re-election bid.
The Vice-President thanked the A4A group for its consistent support for Tinubu and urged its members to continue mobilisation efforts. Shettima's assurance and A4A's commitment demonstrate the administration's focus on the North and its efforts to ensure a successful re-election bid for President Tinubu.
Key points
- The administration's second-term agenda is crucial to the region's prosperity and stability.
- The Bank of Agriculture has disbursed N450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
- A4A plans to engage religious leaders and prominent Nigerians to support Tinubu's re-election.
