KatsinaTimes | Kaduna, April 19, 2026
The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete an eight-year tenure as part of the Southern region’s turn under Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement, cautioning Northern politicians against contesting the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, the Speaker of the group, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, said the position was aimed at preserving national unity, cohesion and continuity in governance.
The assembly argued that the existing zoning understanding should be respected, noting that no prominent Southerner challenged former President Muhammadu Buhari during his eight-year tenure, thereby allowing the North to complete its cycle.
It maintained that it was now the turn of the South to complete its tenure under Tinubu, warning that any attempt to disrupt the arrangement could undermine national stability.
AYA further cautioned that any Northern aspirant seeking to contest in 2027 would be viewed as acting against the interests of fairness and Northern youths.
The group also highlighted what it described as progress under the current administration, citing reforms in the economy, security and infrastructure. It claimed that government policies had generated annual savings running into trillions of naira, while exchange rate unification had improved transparency and strengthened external reserves.
According to the assembly, Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has declined significantly, creating more fiscal space for development.
AYA added that ongoing security operations had led to the neutralisation of insurgents and bandits, as well as the rescue of kidnapped victims, with farming activities gradually resuming in previously affected areas.
It also pointed to investments in rail and road infrastructure as evidence of the administration’s development agenda.
The group emphasised that the reforms require continuity to fully materialise, warning that any disruption at this stage could be counterproductive.
Reaffirming its stance, AYA pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and urged government officials to improve communication of policy achievements at the grassroots level.
