The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying it does not endorse any narrative suggesting Northern youths are opposed to the current administration.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by its President, Alhaji Danbature Abdul, the group said reports and social media publications claiming that it was campaigning against President Tinubu or Senator Akpabio “do not emanate from the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership and should be disregarded by the general public.”
“Our position is clear”
According to the Assembly, its backing is based on the need for “stability, continuity, responsible leadership and sustained implementation of policies” to transform Nigeria’s economy and improve citizens’ welfare.
“We therefore reject attempts by individuals or groups to create a false impression of a division between the Tinubu administration and the people of Northern Nigeria,” the statement read.
The group stressed that raising concerns about development in the North is not the same as opposing government. It said its approach remains “constructive engagement” to identify areas needing greater attention and push for solutions.
On the 10th Senate
AYAGL also commended Senator Akpabio’s leadership of the 10th National Assembly, citing “significant legislative activity” including the passage of the Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, the Joint Revenue Board Bill, successive federal budgets, and the Electoral Act 2026.
The Assembly noted that the Senate President has described the legislature as “a platform for finding solutions to Nigeria’s challenges” and called for more citizen engagement and accountability.
It however acknowledged that more work is needed, listing jobs, infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and youth employment as key expectations of young people in Northern Nigeria.
Focus on Northern development
The youth group said its priority is ensuring federal development programmes and economic opportunities translate into tangible benefits for the North.
“We want to see greater federal investment in the North. We want to see more opportunities for Northern youths. We want stronger agricultural value chains, industrial development, digital economy opportunities, better roads and transportation infrastructure,” the statement said.
Ahead of 2027
With the 2027 general elections approaching, AYAGL urged political actors to act responsibly and avoid dragging Northern Nigeria or legitimate youth organisations into campaigns they did not authorize.
“The people of Northern Nigeria are politically sophisticated and capable of making their own decisions. No individual or group should therefore claim to speak for the entire North without a legitimate mandate,” Alhaji Danbature said.
He concluded that the Assembly “remains committed to constructive engagement with the Federal Government and the National Assembly” and will continue to advocate for policies that deliver benefits to the region while holding government accountable where necessary.
The Assembly urged the public to disregard any statement or social media content falsely attributed to it that suggests opposition to President Tinubu or Senator Akpabio.
