The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has warned President Bola Tinubu that his chances in the 2027 presidential election will depend largely on his ability to address the country’s insecurity and economic hardship.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the National President of the forum, Yerima Shettima, said the northern youths were deeply concerned about the rising wave of killings, kidnappings and economic distress, stressing that no amount of political endorsement could guarantee electoral success if the situation remained unchanged.
Shettima cautioned the President not to be carried away by the endorsements of state governors, reminding him that former President Goodluck Jonathan received similar support ahead of the 2015 election but still lost to Muhammadu Buhari due to widespread public dissatisfaction.
He said, “As Nigeria approaches the pivotal 2027 elections, the political future of President Bola Tinubu hinges significantly on his administration’s ability to navigate the intricate relationship between national security and economic stability.
“The challenges posed by insecurity and economic turmoil are not merely administrative hurdles; they are critical determinants of public sentiment and voters’ behaviour.”
According to him, the country continues to grapple with insurgency, banditry and communal clashes, all of which have eroded public confidence and triggered major humanitarian crises.
He added, “Compounding the security challenges are the economic crises Nigeria currently faces. High unemployment rates, rampant inflation and declining living standards have left many citizens disillusioned. As Nigerians grapple with economic hardship, they will scrutinise Tinubu’s economic policies with heightened interest.”
Shettima stressed that the youth, who make up the bulk of the voting population, were increasingly frustrated and would assess the government strictly based on performance rather than political rhetoric.
Meanwhile, other northern stakeholders echoed similar concerns.
Social Democratic Party National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, berated political actors discussing election victory while the country remained besieged by insecurity. He said Jonathan’s defeat in 2015 should serve as a warning that governors’ endorsements are not equivalent to electoral success.
Gabam said, “If security is not guaranteed, even indigenous investors will not bring money to the economy, not to mention foreign investors. Without political stability, no investor will be attracted to invest.”
Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, also observed that although security and the economy will shape public sentiment in 2027, electoral manipulation and state capture could still influence outcomes.
A former Nigeria Labour Congress Vice President, Isa Tijani, urged Tinubu to prioritise nationwide safety, warning that performance alone does not determine elections in Nigeria.
