Rita Odafe
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), representing northern Nigeria, has voiced regret among northern voters regarding their choice of President Bola Tinubu in the last elections.
According to AYCF President, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, there is a strong willingness in the northern region to oppose Tinubu’s reelection in 2027 unless significant improvements occur in the country.
He highlighted the widespread discontent in the North, citing unfulfilled expectations from Tinubu’s administration, particularly the urgent need to tackle security issues and economic struggles to regain the faith of northern citizens.
Yerima also took aim at various state governors, pointing out their inadequacies in generating revenue, as many heavily depend on federal funds while failing to invest in local growth.
In an interview with Vanguard, he criticized governors for prioritizing the distribution of federal allocations to their associates rather than focusing on state development.
He advocated for a restructuring of the federal system, believing this would encourage states to become more productive and self-sufficient, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.
Yerima expressed substantial disappointment among those who supported Tinubu in 2023, particularly in light of the previous administration’s shortcomings under Muhammadu Buhari.
He remarked: “There is a sentiment of regret in some areas of the North. The past eight years under Buhari did not yield positive results for our region.
“The expectations for Tinubu were exceptionally high, as we believed he understood the country’s problems well. I had personally admired him and anticipated he would approach issues thoughtfully and democratically.
“However, the people are disheartened due to unmet expectations.
“It’s important to acknowledge that the challenges were formidable. Everyone recognized that the next leader after Buhari faced a daunting task. We didn’t expect miracles in just two years, especially after eight years of turmoil. There are necessary reforms in motion, and while outcomes may not be immediate, it’s crucial that government policies include protective measures to alleviate people’s suffering.
“The citizens have endured significant hardships. If Tinubu had implemented his policies with this sentiment in mind, he wouldn’t face accusations of neglecting any region of the country. His experience suggests he should be capable of better governance. Nonetheless, challenges remain, particularly with policy execution impacting the populace.
“The North is currently frustrated with the government’s performance, yet there remains a chance within the next two years for improvements. Some of us are hesitant to prematurely declare Tinubu ineffective. We understand the road is challenging and are willing to offer him some leeway and encouragement.
“Should there be no positive change for the citizens, we can unite and seek better alternatives. We will engage with stakeholders to explore our options. At this stage, it’s too early to declare Tinubu’s administration a failure.”
