By Suleiman Ramat
The Arewa Youth Merger Group has rejected reports suggesting that former Kano State Governor, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is being considered as the running mate to former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Kano and signed by the National Coordinator of the Arewa Youth Merger Group, Comrade Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, the organisation distanced itself from the reported political arrangement, describing it as inconsistent with what it considers the political interests of Northern Nigeria.
Group Cites Political Alliance and Regional Consultations
According to the statement, the group’s position is based on its alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and consultations with business groups, farmers, students and other stakeholders across the North.
The group said it remains committed to the political understanding reached in 2015 between the North and the South-West, which, according to the organisation, provides for rotational leadership and two-term presidential administrations for each region.
It argued that the arrangement contributed to the emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari from the North-West, with Professor Yemi Osinbajo from the South-West as Vice President in 2015, and later President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the South-West, with Senator Kashim Shettima from the North-East as Vice President in 2023.
Arewa Youths Defend APC’s Power-Sharing Structure
The statement further claimed that key national offices, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the APC National Chairman, were allocated to the North as part of efforts to promote regional balance.
The group also maintained that the current APC leadership structure reflects representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. It cited the offices of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives as examples of what it described as inclusive governance.
Group Opposes Reported Kwankwaso–Obi Ticket
Reacting to reports of a possible political alliance between Kwankwaso and Obi, the organisation expressed opposition to the arrangement and maintained that the North should continue to support the Tinubu–Shettima administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group also referenced historical grievances arising from the 1966 military coup, arguing that such issues remain significant in the political consciousness of some Northerners.
It further raised allegations concerning Peter Obi’s tenure as Governor of Anambra State, including claims relating to residency permits and the demolition of a mosque. The allegations were presented by the group as part of its reasons for opposing the reported political alignment.
Group Recalls Kwankwaso’s Past Comment on Vice Presidency
The Arewa youth organisation also recalled a past comment attributed to Kwankwaso in which he reportedly described the office of the Vice President as a “spare tyre.”
Based on this position, the group argued that the North should remain focused on producing the President after the completion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term in 2031, in line with what it described as the existing power rotation arrangement.
The group maintained that any future political alliance between Northern Nigeria and the South-East should be founded on mutual respect and adherence to what it described as existing political agreements.
Arewa Youth Groups Reaffirm Support for Tinubu–Shettima
Reaffirming their support for the Tinubu–Shettima ticket, the organisations pledged to mobilise Northern youths in support of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They also announced plans to organise a peaceful protest to the National Assembly to formally present what they described as the position of Arewa youths on the reported political development.
The group, however, called for national unity and respect for existing political arrangements as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The reported development adds to the growing political discussions and realignments expected to shape Nigeria’s political landscape as parties, political groups and potential candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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