The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has thrown its weight behind President ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031 in line with Nigeria’s long-standing zoning tradition.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the group cautioned northern political figures, including former Vice President, against nursing presidential ambitions for the next election cycle.
According to the AYA, the 2027 presidential race is not open for contest in the conventional sense, as it believes the principle of rotational leadership must be upheld to preserve national unity and political balance.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock till May 29, 2031,” the statement read. “Allowing the South to complete its eight-year tenure is critical to national unity, fairness, and political stability.”
The group anchored its argument on what it described as an unwritten but widely respected agreement among Nigeria’s political elite, an understanding that power should alternate between the North and the South. It noted that during the administration of former President , who governed from 2015 to 2023, many southern politicians stepped back from contesting the presidency, thereby allowing the North to complete its two-term tenure.
AYA argued that replicating this approach is necessary to maintain trust and cohesion in Nigeria’s fragile political structure.
“The same sense of responsibility and commitment to equity must now be demonstrated by northern leaders,” the statement added. “Anything short of that risks undermining the spirit of fairness that has helped stabilize the country’s democratic journey.”
Beyond its appeal to political tradition, the group issued a stern warning to northern politicians considering a 2027 bid, stating that such moves would be resisted by youths across the region. It emphasized that the position reflects a broader sentiment among young people in Northern Nigeria who, according to the group, are prioritizing national unity over sectional interests.
The declaration signals a growing alignment among certain northern youth groups with President Tinubu’s re-election ambition, even as political permutations ahead of 2027 continue to take shape.
AYA further framed the upcoming election as more than just a political contest, describing it as a defining moment for Nigeria’s unity and continuity. It warned that any attempt to disrupt the rotational arrangement could trigger political tension and erode public confidence in the country’s democratic process.
Reaffirming its support, the group pledged to mobilize northern youths in backing Tinubu’s second-term bid, stressing that national cohesion must take precedence over individual ambitions or regional calculations.
“2027 is not just about politics; it is about preserving the stability of our nation,” the statement noted. “We must rise above personal interests and uphold the principles that bind us together as one country.”
In addition to its stance on zoning, the AYA also used the opportunity to commend the Tinubu administration for what it described as bold and necessary economic reforms. While acknowledging that some of the policies have brought short-term hardship to citizens, the group maintained that they are crucial for long-term economic recovery.
According to the statement, recent fiscal measures have contributed to improved government revenue and strengthened Nigeria’s external reserves, positioning the country for future growth.
“The reforms may be tough, but they are steps in the right direction,” the group said. “We believe that continuity in leadership will ensure that these policies achieve their intended impact.”
The endorsement by the Arewa Youth Assembly adds to the ongoing debate around zoning and political succession in Nigeria, a subject that has continued to generate intense discussion across party lines and regions.
While the 2027 election is still some time away, statements such as this highlight the early positioning and alliances already forming, as key stakeholders seek to shape the direction of the country’s next political transition.
