North Will Continue To Vote Tinubu, Says Niger State Governor

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has declared that the North will stand solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, insisting there is no going back on the region’s support.

Speaking on a television programme monitored by Ireporter Online, Bago said President Tinubu has lived up to expectations by delivering on his campaign promises, which has further endeared him to the North. He noted that he is personally ready to serve as campaign manager for the President’s re-election, stressing that Tinubu’s inclusive policies and developmental strides have benefitted both the North and the entire country.

“As far as we are concerned, it is Asiwaju for 2027; there is no going back,” the governor said, while also stressing the importance of power rotation. He maintained that it is only fair for the South to retain power until 2031, in line with the principles of zoning, equity and national balance.

Bago dismissed recent remarks by some prominent northern politicians, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal, that the region would not back Tinubu in 2027. According to him, Nigerians will be surprised by the level of northern mobilisation in favour of the President, pointing out that pro-Tinubu campaign songs are already trending in the region.

He attributed the ability of governors in the North to execute people-oriented projects to increased allocations from the Federation Account under the present administration. Bago declared Niger State as the “headquarters” of Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, reiterating that his people are fully behind the President.

The governor also underscored that political stability in Nigeria has been sustained through zoning arrangements, where both North and South take turns to govern. He insisted northerners eyeing the presidency should wait until 2031, after Tinubu completes his tenure.

Meanwhile, support for the President’s second-term bid has continued to grow. At the weekend, former presiding officers of the National Assembly, including former Senate President Ken Nnamani, and former Speakers Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, also pledged their backing for Tinubu.