Northern Minorities Throw Weight Behind Tinubu’s Second Term Bid

The political landscape surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration gained significant traction today as Professor Nentawe Yiltwada, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warmly welcomed and lauded the proactive support shown by minority ethnic groups in Northern Nigeria for the President’s potential re-election in 2027. Speaking in Abuja, Professor Yiltwada, through his Chief of Staff, Dr. Mustapha Bala Dawaki, described the endorsement as a testament to the patriotism and deep concern for national development exhibited by these communities.

The meeting, held at the APC National Secretariat, saw Professor Yiltwada host the leadership of the Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG), spearheaded by its Convener, Chief Jacob Edi. The APC Chairman made it clear that the party and the administration view all initiatives aimed at bolstering the current government’s agenda as highly valuable, emphasizing the belief that the Tinubu administration harbors genuine and positive intentions for the country’s future. The independent nature of the NNMG’s decision to support the President was particularly highlighted by Professor Yiltwada, suggesting it reflects a profound appreciation for the ongoing work and a vested interest in Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged having keenly observed the group’s activities and their dedication to supporting the administration, praising the leaders and members for dedicating their time and resources to promote and defend the APC-led government’s cause without external prompting. Such unprompted loyalty and effort, he stressed, underscores the group’s patriotic fervor and goodwill towards the nation.

Chief Jacob Edi, in his remarks, provided context for the formation and mission of the NNMG, stating that the group was established with the core objective of supporting sound initiatives designed to improve the living conditions of the Nigerian populace. Edi underscored that the NNMG’s endorsement stems from a careful observation of the Tinubu-led government’s commitment to fairness, meritocracy, and objectivity in the distribution of federal projects and the appointment of key personnel. He articulated that this equitable approach has directly resulted in significant benefits for the minority ethnic groups across Northern Nigeria. Among the key achievements cited by Chief Edi were the ongoing efforts towards establishing a North Central Development Commission, the creation of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State, the development of a Nigeria College of Aviation Technology in Kwara State, and the commencement of numerous road projects across the region. Furthermore, he noted President Tinubu’s personal support that paved the way for Professor Nentawe Yiltwada’s emergence as the APC National Chairman.

Chief Edi confirmed that the NNMG acts as the representative voice for the over 200 minority ethnic groups dispersed throughout the 19 northern states of Nigeria. The Convener concluded his address with a resolute declaration, affirming the group’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a second term for President Tinubu. He pledged that the NNMG is prepared to work “day and night” not only to secure the President’s victory but to deliver a triumph so “resounding and unchallengeable” that it will effectively silence all doubters and solidly consolidate the progress already being made under the current administration. The enthusiastic reception and the firm commitment expressed by both the APC leadership and the representatives of the Northern minority groups signal a crucial consolidation of political support as the nation looks towards the next electoral cycle. The allegiance of these substantial minority communities could prove to be a pivotal factor in the President’s quest for re-election, bolstering the APC’s grassroots strength and affirming the administration’s claims of inclusivity and equitable resource allocation across Nigeria’s diverse ethnolinguistic landscape. The political rhetoric coming out of the APC national secretariat today frames the Northern Minorities Group not just as allies, but as co-architects in the national development agenda.