Northern youths back Tinubu’s second term, reject ‘entitlement politics’

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF) has thrown its weight behind the second-term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming its commitment to power rotation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The group also rejected what it described as “politics of entitlement,” warning against attempts to inflame regional sentiments for political gain.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chairman, Sama Musa, the youth group expressed concern over comments credited to media personality Dele Momodu, which it said portrayed Northern political support as a “gang” waiting to be captured.

Musa said the remark amounted to “a gross insult to the political maturity and conscience of the Northern Nigerian electorate.”

He noted that the North remained firmly committed to the unwritten but crucial principle of power rotation between the North and South, describing it as a bedrock for national unity and stability.

“The North is a region of honour and integrity. We believe strongly in the gentleman’s agreement on rotation of power. To suggest that the region is waiting to reclaim the presidency before the South completes its tenure is reckless and capable of inciting instability,” he said.

The NYF further declared its full support for the completion of Tinubu’s two-term mandate, stressing that Northern youths would not be used as political tools by entrenched interests.

Musa also took a swipe at what he termed a “circle of disgruntled political elites,” including former governors, ministers and vice presidents, accusing them of representing an old order responsible for many of the country’s lingering challenges.

“These individuals have dominated the political space for over two decades. Presenting them as reformers is political delusion. They are the status quo and are uncomfortable with the reality that their time has passed,” he added.

He maintained that young people in the North were increasingly demanding fresh and visionary leadership capable of tackling poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment.

The group urged Momodu and like-minded actors to abandon what it called politics of vengeance and entitlement, insisting that the region would not be mobilised for personal political battles.