Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Northern political leaders to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, as fresh efforts to unite opposition figures around a consensus presidential candidate gather momentum.
Shettima appealed on Monday, October 12, during a meeting with members of Arewa for Asiwaju, a political group working to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Vice President urged Northern leaders to unite behind the administration, arguing that the region stands to benefit from its policies, appointments and development programmes.
He cited agricultural support initiatives as part of the government’s efforts to improve livelihoods in the North and across the country.
Northern Political Leaders Promise More Mobilisation
The delegation included former governors, political stakeholders and supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Former Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru, who leads the Arewa for Asiwaju mobilisation effort, pledged that the group would continue engaging political leaders, religious figures and grassroots organisations to build support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.
The meeting comes as the APC prepares for further campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu’s supporters have argued that the administration’s policies and ongoing projects provide grounds for seeking another term. Opposition figures, however, have continued to raise concerns about economic hardship, insecurity and the effects of government reforms.
Opposition Consensus Talks Reopen
Meanwhile, efforts to establish a common opposition candidate have returned to the political discussion.
The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has invited 13 Christian presidential aspirants, including Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde and Donald Duke, to participate in a consensus-building process ahead of the election.
The initiative aims to encourage dialogue, identify shared policy goals and explore possible cooperation among the participants.
The group says its process is not intended to force any aspirant to withdraw from the race. Instead, it wants candidates to consider whether their interests and political platforms can be brought together in the national interest.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was not among the candidates named in the reported invitation. However, his absence from this particular initiative does not necessarily mean he has been excluded from every ongoing opposition negotiation.
Opposition Unity Remains a Key Issue
The renewed consensus discussions highlight the challenges facing opposition parties as they seek to coordinate their strategies for 2027.
Political groups supporting Tinubu have argued that divisions among opposition parties could affect their ability to build a common front. Opposition figures, on the other hand, face the task of reconciling competing ambitions, regional interests and policy differences.
Whether the latest consultations produce a broader agreement remains to be seen.
Monafrika’s Take
The latest political developments show two parallel efforts ahead of the 2027 election: the ruling party is working to strengthen its regional support, while some opposition groups are exploring ways to bring candidates together.
Shettima’s engagement with Northern leaders underscores the importance the APC places on regional mobilisation. At the same time, renewed consensus talks reflect continuing discussions about cooperation among opposition figures.
For Nigerian voters, the key questions remain the same: what plans do the candidates have for the economy, jobs, security, education and the cost of living?
Beyond endorsements and political alliances, voters deserve clear policy proposals and direct answers from those seeking public office.
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