Arewa Youth Assembly insists on rotational presidency, says “no vacancy” in Aso Rock until 2031
By Rejoice Peterside
The Arewa Youth Assembly has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be allowed to continue beyond 2027, insisting that Nigeria’s rotational presidency arrangement must be respected to ensure political balance and national stability.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, said Northern political actors should step back from the 2027 presidential race, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete its expected eight year tenure in office.
Danlami maintained that the group’s position was anchored on what he described as an informal but widely respected zoning understanding that has helped manage Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity over the years.
He stated that “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock until May 29, 2031,” adding that any attempt to disrupt the arrangement could create unnecessary political tension and weaken national unity.
According to him, the North had also benefited from a similar political understanding during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who completed two terms in office without major opposition from other geopolitical zones.
The group said it was important to maintain that balance, stressing that continuity in leadership would allow ongoing economic and security reforms to mature and deliver more visible results.
“This is not a matter for negotiation,” the statement said. “In the interest of national cohesion and stability, Northern political actors must not contest the presidency in 2027. Tinubu must continue.”
The Assembly warned that any attempt by aspirants from the North to enter the 2027 presidential race would be strongly resisted by youths across the region, describing such ambition as a breach of the zoning consensus that has shaped Nigeria’s democratic process.
It further argued that rotational leadership remains one of the key informal mechanisms holding Nigeria’s political structure together, especially in a country with deep ethnic and regional diversity.
Beyond its political stance, the group also expressed support for the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, noting that although the policies had come with initial hardship, they were beginning to show signs of progress.
It specifically referenced the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, describing both decisions as difficult but necessary steps aimed at stabilising the economy.
According to the statement, indicators such as external reserves and fiscal ratios were beginning to show gradual improvement, which the group described as early signs of recovery.
On security, the Assembly commended ongoing operations by the armed forces and intelligence agencies, particularly efforts aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in parts of Northern Nigeria.
It also praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for what it called improved coordination of national security responses and better intelligence driven operations that have led to the rescue of kidnapped victims in some areas.
While acknowledging progress, the group urged the Federal Government to improve communication with citizens at the grassroots level, saying many Nigerians still struggle to understand the impact of ongoing reforms.
“It is important that government officials engage directly with the people,” the statement added. “The gains being recorded must be properly communicated to strengthen public confidence and trust.”
The Assembly described the 2027 general election as a crucial moment for Nigeria, saying it would determine whether the country continues on its current reform path or returns to political uncertainty.
It insisted that continuity in leadership was necessary to consolidate ongoing reforms in the economy and security sectors, which it said require time to fully deliver results.
Reaffirming its position, the group pledged unwavering support for President Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that national interest must take precedence over individual political ambition.
“We stand firmly with the President,” Danlami said. “Tinubu must continue, and this position reflects the will of Northern youths who believe in continuity for national progress.”
