2027: Shettima Warns Northern Support for Tinubu Is Not a Blank Cheque

Vice-President Urges Accountability, Transparency and Tangible Results as APC Leaders Mobilise Support for Tinubu-Shettima Ticket

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has warned that growing support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in northern Nigeria should not be taken for granted, stressing that the administration must earn voters’ trust through accountability, transparency and measurable results.

Shettima spoke in Abuja on Saturday during the unveiling of the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) campaign headquarters and the inauguration of its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to the Vice-President, political support comes with a responsibility for the government to explain its achievements, address public concerns and demonstrate how another four years would benefit Nigerians.

He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting households and warned supporters against dismissing citizens’ complaints or relying solely on political slogans to defend government policies.

Shettima noted that the impact of government decisions could be felt in the daily struggles of traders, unemployed graduates and families grappling with rising living costs.

He also described criticism as an essential part of democracy, urging the administration to listen to Nigerians across political, religious, ethnic and regional lines.

The Vice-President called on the A4A campaign organisation to serve as a channel through which grievances from communities could reach government officials and receive attention.

He identified security, job creation, poverty reduction, education and stronger public institutions as important priorities, insisting that public service must remain focused on citizens’ needs beyond election campaigns.

APC Leaders Rally Support for Tinubu-Shettima Ticket

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged northerners to support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket for a second term, citing what he described as the administration’s achievements and Shettima’s inclusive leadership.

Yilwatda praised the Vice-President for engaging people across religious and ethnic divides, saying his approach had helped foster dialogue and unity.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said the A4A campaign structure would provide a platform to mobilise support for Tinubu and communicate the administration’s achievements across northern communities.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged voters to assess the administration’s record before making their decisions in the 2027 election.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, speaking on behalf of northern governors, also pledged support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, linking the region’s backing to fairness, equity, unity and national progress.

Former Jigawa State Governor and A4A Director-General Abubakar Badaru said the coalition was established because its members believed the administration deserved another term. He pledged to take the campaign for continuity to communities across northern Nigeria.

The event was attended by lawmakers, ministers, presidential aides, former governors and other political leaders from the region.