The Arewa Consultative Forum has declared that northern voters are disillusioned with Nigeria’s political leadership and have yet to find a presidential candidate worthy of their confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, argued that neither President Bola Tinubu’s administration nor prominent opposition figures have offered credible solutions to the nation’s deepening economic and security crises.
Speaking on Arise Television’s PrimeTime programme on Monday, he said: “I have not seen a party that articulates a clear policy ambition or an ideological standard. The average northern voter is disillusioned and has been for a long time.”
Tinubu’s Northern Support Weakens
Mohammed-Baba maintained that the President’s standing in the region has eroded since the 2023 election, citing the economic impact of government policies and persistent insecurity.
“The impact of his policies on the economy and especially on individual lives has been highly disappointing, if not disturbing,” he said. “Furthermore, the insecurity thing, no matter what the government says, is getting worse.”
He expressed alarm that some farming communities have abandoned agriculture due to threats from armed groups, warning: “We are gradually normalising self-help. That undermines the essence of the role of the state.”
Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Fall Short
The ACF spokesman dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s repeated presidential bids, noting they lack a coherent policy agenda. “I don’t see anything from him that presents an alternative apart from saying this government has failed. Where is the beef?”
Of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, he said: “He has moved to two or three parties. The question we ask is: what does he want?”
Rabiu Kwankwaso also drew criticism for invoking revered northern historical figures in his rhetoric. “In the North, that is very irreverent. It would be highly delusional for him to go that far,” Mohammed-Baba added.
No Clear Alternative Emerges
Despite his sweeping critique, the ACF spokesman declined to name any individual capable of uniting northern support. “We are waiting to see,” he said.
He cautioned the All Progressives Congress against complacency: “Nothing fails like success. Be very careful, because sometimes complacency can spring surprises.”
Mohammed-Baba stressed that the North is not a monolithic voting bloc, adding that insecurity, fuel costs and the rising number of out-of-school children will shape electoral choices.
“Is there anybody offering an alternative now?” he asked. “I don’t see anything.”