The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expressed deep dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that the northern region regrets supporting him in the 2023 elections.
According to the group, the northern populace is prepared to oppose his reelection in 2027 if the country’s dire economic and security challenges remain unaddressed.
Alhaji Shettima Yerima, AYCF President, highlighted the growing discontent in the north, citing unfulfilled expectations from Tinubu’s government.
Speaking with Vanguard, Yerima said, “In some quarters, there are certain regrets by the northern region. Don’t forget the eight years of Buhari’s administration brought nothing to the north. The expectation was so high that Tinubu would approach the issues not as a military man but as a democrat and proffer solutions. But the people are disappointed because they are not getting what they expected of him.”
Yerima acknowledged that Tinubu inherited a challenging situation but insisted that reforms should include measures to ease citizens’ suffering.
“Whatever policy you are bringing, there must be a cushioning effect so that people would not unnecessarily suffer. People have suffered enough,” he noted.
The youth leader also condemned some northern state governors for their overreliance on federal allocations and lack of initiative in revenue generation.
Yerima argued that decentralizing the federal structure could push states toward self-sufficiency and benefit the country as a whole.
While expressing frustration, Yerima urged patience, noting that the government still has time to redeem itself.
“The North is angry with the government, but the government still has another opportunity in less than two years to turn things around. Let us give him some benefit of the doubt and encourage him,” he said.
However, Yerima warned that if significant progress is not made, the northern region would explore alternatives.
“If he doesn’t do anything that will positively impact the lives of the people, some of us can gang up against him and put our vote where we know we can get better treatment. Right now, it is too early to conclude that Tinubu has failed,” he concluded.
With dissatisfaction mounting, Tinubu faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of northern Nigeria before the next electoral cycle.
