The leadership of the North-West APC Youth Stakeholders Forum, led by its Coordinating Chairman, Hon. Bashir Ruma, and the national leadership of the Arewa Democratic Youth Stakeholders Forum, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to promote national unity by ensuring that appointments and political opportunities reflect Nigeria’s diversity.
The Arewa forum stated that it would withdraw support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid if what it described as unequal treatment of youths across the country continues, adding that consultations are underway regarding the proposed action.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Amb. Salawudeen Shaibu Planner, the organisation said it would mobilise support group leaders across the North to resist what it described as sectional politics and unequal treatment in the appointment of youth leaders in the present administration.
Consequently, it has summoned the 1,378 registered APC leaders of political support groups across the three geopolitical zones of the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory to begin consultations on withdrawing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid unless their concerns are addressed.
The organisation specifically alleged that Barrister Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has played a central role in influencing youth political structures and appointments in ways that exclude northern youths.
The forum further claimed that appointments within youth-related political and governmental institutions have disproportionately favoured individuals from the Yoruba region, arguing that such developments have created feelings of exclusion among many youths from the North. It called for greater regional balance and inclusiveness in youth representation.
According to the statement, the forum also questioned the recognition and support allegedly given to certain Yoruba-affiliated youth movements, claiming that support groups led by northern politicians and youth leaders have not received equal consideration. The organisation argued that all registered support groups should be treated fairly regardless of regional affiliation.
The statement further highlighted: “Seyi Tinubu is deliberately and strategically blocking all Arewa youths from accessing opportunities and inclusion in the nation’s decision-making process. He influenced the President to appoint a Yoruba brother as Minister of Youth Development to lead the youth in governmental affairs. He also influenced his Yoruba brothers to lead the ruling party affairs as National Youth Leader.
“He influenced his Yoruba brother to lead student affairs in the NANS Presidency and as SSA to Mr. President on student affairs. He influenced his Yoruba brother to lead youth activists in the NYCN. He is using presidential influence to block all northern youths from accessing leadership opportunities in any youth group.
“As the 2027 elections approach, he now recommends only two youth movements to the party and the Presidency for the funding of their activities. The two groups are led by his Yoruba brothers: City Boy Movement and Relax Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria Movement. All the political support groups registered under the APC across the 19 states and the FCT that are led by northern youth must liaise with the Yoruba support groups, City Boy Movement and The Relax, Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria Movement.
“Seyi Tinubu is pushing to collapse all APC support groups led by northerners. This is unacceptable discrimination against northern youth. The leadership of the Arewa Democratic Youth Stakeholders Forum makes a strong call on support group leaders across the 19 northern states to withdraw support for Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I want Seyi to know that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the APC and Tinubu belong to Nigeria, not only to the Yoruba. Arewa gave his father more votes than his Yoruba brothers, yet he feels empowered to look down on Arewa youths. Tinubu won the 2023 election in many Arewa states, but he did not win Lagos State with the margin that is used to symbolise the City Boy Movement.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Bashir Ruma urged northern youth leaders to remain united and peaceful while pursuing what he described as a legitimate demand for equal representation. He said the objective of the movement is to strengthen democratic participation and ensure that every region has a voice in national youth affairs.
The forum maintained that northern voters contributed significantly to the APC’s electoral success in the 2023 general elections and argued that this contribution should be reflected in political inclusion and leadership opportunities for northern youths.
Warning of possible political consequences, the Arewa Democratic Youth Stakeholders Forum said continued dissatisfaction among northern youths could affect party unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. It called on the APC leadership to engage stakeholders and address the concerns raised before they escalate.
The organisation appealed to President Bola Tinubu to promote national unity by ensuring that appointments and political opportunities reflect Nigeria’s diversity. It stressed that equal treatment of youths across all regions remains essential for strengthening democracy and maintaining confidence within the party.
(The Sun)