The North Central Rainbow Network (NCRN), a multi-party coalition of political leaders, activists and young professionals drawn from across the six states of the North Central geopolitical zone, has formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
The group also named Honourable Leke Abejide, the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency, as its Grand Patron.
The decision was reached after a meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Membership of the Network cuts across all major political parties, reflecting a broad consensus that transcends partisan lines.
In a statement signed by John Alli Oriri, its National Coordinator, the group cited the President’s measurable progress in security and infrastructure as the foundation of its endorsement.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon courage in confronting the twin challenges of insecurity and underdevelopment in our region,” said Oriri.
“From the sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations that have neutralised thousands of terrorists and bandits, to the establishment of new military battalions across the North Central, the results are visible on the ground.”
“We are particularly encouraged by the massive infrastructural investments. The dualisation and rehabilitation of the Gwagwalada-Lokoja road, the ongoing works on the Lafia-Makurdi-Otukpo-Enugu corridor, and the network of emergency and major road projects currently numbering over 60 across the zone are transforming connectivity and commerce,” Oriri added.
The Network highlighted that the Federal Government is executing 61 road projects across the North Central states, with several already completed and others at advanced stages.
These include concrete dual carriageways that have significantly reduced travel times between key commercial centres and improved the movement of agricultural produce from Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and Plateau.
Members of the group also noted broader national gains under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reforms that have increased revenue accruals to states, expanded defence budgets, and the recruitment of additional security personnel.
They described these as evidence of a leadership focused on long-term structural change rather than short-term populism.
“Honourable Leke Abejide has been a consistent and selfless partner in this journey,” Oriri continued.
“His unwavering support for President Tinubu across the North Central region has been matched by tangible empowerment programmes that have touched the lives of thousands of our sons and daughters.
“He has funded scholarships, community projects and youth initiatives without hesitation, driven purely by his love for the President and for the next generation.
“By naming him our Grand Patron, we recognise not only his legislative contributions but his practical commitment to the development of our region.
“Abejide has shown that support for the President’s vision is best expressed through service to the people.”
The Network pledged to mobilise its members and affiliates across the zone to canvass support for the President’s re-election.
It described the endorsement as the product of careful assessment of performance rather than political convenience.
Looking ahead, the group called on other stakeholders in the North Central to join in consolidating the gains of the last three years.
It expressed confidence that continuity under President Tinubu would accelerate the completion of ongoing legacy projects and further strengthen security architecture in the Middle Belt.
“We stand with President Tinubu because the evidence of progress is clear,” Oriri concluded.
“And we stand with Honourable Abejide because he has stood with our people. Together, we believe the North Central will continue to benefit from purposeful leadership through 2027 and beyond.”
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