In a show of political alignment, northern leaders under the Arewa Think Tank have reached out to Afenifere, the influential Yoruba socio-political group, seeking stronger North-South collaboration to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The meeting, held on Monday, October 13, at the Akure home of Afenifere’s National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, marked what many observers see as an emerging alliance that could shape Nigeria’s next general election.
Led by the group’s convener, Muhammad Yakubu, the northern delegation presented what they called President Tinubu’s “impressive midterm scorecard” and praised his courage in taking difficult decisions.
Yakubu noted that the group, made up of professionals from all 19 northern states and chaired by former Kaduna Governor Muktair Yero, had resolved to throw its weight behind Tinubu’s administration.
“We are here today to renew our relationship with the South-West, to reassure you that the North will stand by President Ahmed Tinubu,” Yakubu said.
“We are impressed with his midterm performance, his vision, and his mission for this country,” he added.
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Afenifere leaders welcomed the northern delegation warmly, describing the visit as a refreshing moment for national unity.
Speaking on behalf of Pa Fasoranti, elder statesman and traditional ruler Oba Olu Falae applauded Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, saying they reflected rare political courage.
He said, “We thank God now that we have a civilian president who has demonstrated, first, his understanding of the problems of Nigeria and the courage to deal with those problems.
“No government in the past had the courage to touch the subsidy or harmonise our multiple exchange rates. Tinubu did both.”
While admitting the reforms brought hardship, Falae argued they were essential for long-term economic stability.
“The price of petrol went up about ₦400 to ₦1,200 and the price of everything went up. It was a terrible time, but what he did was absolutely necessary,” he added.
Afenifere’s Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, described the northern leaders’ gesture as “a positive signal of inter-regional unity” and expressed optimism that Tinubu’s second-term campaign would enjoy broad national support.