Shettima Rallies Northern Leaders for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election, Says Region Stands to Gain More
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on northern political leaders and stakeholders to unite behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that the region has already benefited significantly from the administration and stands to gain even more in a second term.
Shettima made the appeal on Monday while receiving a delegation from Arewa for Asiwaju (also referred to as Arewa for Tinubu), a northern-based support group working for the President’s re-election, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President told the visitors that the North has no reason to fear another four years of the Tinubu administration.
“Let’s unite as a people and work for the development of our region and the progress of our people through the re-election of this administration. We are benefiting, and we stand to benefit more from this government in many ways,” Shettima said.
Key Points Shettima Highlighted
He pointed to concrete gains already recorded, particularly in agriculture. The Bank of Agriculture, he said, has disbursed ₦450 billion to 700,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria, with about 70 per cent of the beneficiaries coming from the North.
Shettima also noted that the administration is working to complete major landmark projects in different parts of the country and assured the delegation that President Tinubu “loves the North and will work for the North.”
He urged the group to intensify grassroots mobilisation across wards, communities and local government areas ahead of the 2027 election.
Group’s Response
Former Jigawa State Governor and Director-General of the group, Abubakar Badaru, pledged that Arewa for Asiwaju would sustain its campaign efforts until Tinubu secures re-election. Former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, who chairs the Board of Trustees, also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment.
Other former governors present included Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Simon Lalong and Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Jolly Nyame (Taraba), Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi).
Why This Matters
The North remains a critical voting bloc in Nigerian presidential elections. Shettima’s early and direct appeal signals the ruling APC’s determination to lock in regional support well ahead of the 2027 contest. By framing a second Tinubu term as beneficial to the North — citing appointments, agricultural funding and ongoing projects — the Vice President is attempting to counter any narrative that the region might be better served by a northern presidential candidate.
Whether this message resonates with ordinary northern voters will become clearer as the election cycle intensifies.
Sources:
Statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication; reports from Punch, Daily Post, PM News and other national media, October 12–13, 2026.
