North Central Youths Announce Support for Tinubu, Vow to Deliver 5 Million Votes in 2027
A pro-government youth organization, the North Central Youths Support Group for Tinubu, has officially declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election. The group has pledged to mobilize no fewer than five million votes across the North Central region, aiming to secure the President's re-election through extensive grassroots campaigns.
Group Inauguration and Commitment to Grassroots Mobilization
The declaration was made on Saturday, February 14, in Abuja during the inauguration of the group's national and state executives. The event attracted youth leaders and political stakeholders from the six North Central states and the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement cited by sources, the Director-General, Abdullahi Muhammed Jemil, emphasized the organization's commitment to grassroots mobilization, stating that they plan to engage communities, institutions, and markets across the region.
Jemil explained: "We promise five million votes within our power to deliver our President. We need your guidance, advice and protection." He urged state coordinators, women leaders, and national officers to immediately activate structures at state, local government, and ward levels, stressing the critical importance of voter registration as a key strategy.
Focus on Voter Registration and Ward-Level Efforts
Jemil highlighted that obtaining voters' cards is essential for their machinery to succeed. The group is committed to working across 1,432 wards in the North Central region and the FCT to ensure President Tinubu's re-election. He called on youths to intensify efforts in voter registration and turnout, noting that votes from the North Central for Tinubu in the 2023 election were slightly above four million, despite over 12 million registered voters.
The National Youth Ambassador of the forum, Ngbede Odoh, echoed this sentiment, urging young people in the region to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise. He emphasized the need for increased sensitization efforts ahead of 2027 to boost voter participation and support for Tinubu.
Appeal for Patience with Economic Reforms
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Hassan Omale Atayoma, appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu's economic reforms, despite prevailing hardships. He argued that the benefits of these policies would be long-term, comparing the situation to farming where hard work precedes harvest.
Atayoma stated: "People say they are suffering. Of course. Even when you farm, you must work before you eat. But at the end of the day, there will be food." He added that the group's support is based on Tinubu's record of appointments and infrastructure development in the region, expressing hope for more opportunities if he is re-elected.
Strategic and Peaceful Campaign Approach
Representing the National Director of the Tinubu Support Group, Umar Tanko Yankasi, Hassan Sadiq emphasized the need for leadership grounded in economic expertise, citing examples from countries like America, Germany, and the UK. He urged youths to build strong ward-level structures across the seven states of the region, describing effective grassroots organization as key to electoral victory.
The group's Legal Adviser, Isah Iliyasu, cautioned members to pursue their mobilisation drive with diplomacy and restraint. He advised that the 2027 election must be approached through lobbying and subtle canvassing rather than aggression, ensuring a peaceful and strategic campaign to fulfill the pledge of delivering five million votes.
Background and Political Context
This announcement comes amid ongoing political preparations for the 2027 general election, with various groups aligning their support. The North Central Youths Support Group for Tinubu aims to leverage its regional influence to bolster the President's re-election bid, focusing on voter engagement and economic advocacy as core strategies.
