Ahead of the 2027 general election, leaders from Northern Nigeria under the umbrella of the Northern Bridge Builders Forum have declared support for the continuation of the presidency in the South, throwing their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The group made this known on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State, during a visit to Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya from Taraba State said it would be morally wrong for the North to seek the presidency in 2027 after completing eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We are supporting President Tinubu because Nigeria belongs to all of us. We believe in the unity of this country. The North has just done eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari. President Tinubu has served only two years and some months. For us to demand a return of power now, people with conscience will not support that,” Ikenya said.
The delegation included Senator Danjuma, Prof. Nora Ladi, Senator Binta Masi Garba, and Rear Admiral Y. Pani (Rtd), among others.
Ikenya added that the Forum was impressed by the economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu.
“We have seen his sacrifices. The economy is not what it used to be. In the past, accessing dollars for travel was plagued with manipulation. Things are changing, and we must support him to continue,” he added.
Afenifere Commends Move Towards Unity
Responding on behalf of Pa Fasoranti, Chairman of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, applauded the Northern leaders for promoting national unity and political stability.
“I’m very happy that bridge builders, promoters of unity, are here. Nigeria has about 448 ethnic nationalities, and no group—no matter how small—should be ignored. That is what true bridge building is about,” he said.
Oba Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stressed that Nigeria’s future remains bright if unity and cooperation are sustained.
“I am optimistic about Nigeria. Our gas reserves—especially unassociated gas in places like Akwa Ibom—are worth several times more than all the oil we have produced since 1958. If we unite and avoid crisis or breakup, our future is very bright,” he added.
