Abuja, Nigeria – January 31, 2026 – Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has emphatically stated that northern voters will overwhelmingly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, dismissing contrary claims as misguided.
Ganduje made the declaration on Friday during a courtesy visit to his residence in Abuja by a delegation from the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum, representing all 19 northern states. The group honored him by decorating him as their Grand Patron in recognition of his leadership and advocacy for youth development in the region.
Addressing the delegation, Ganduje described President Tinubu as a rare and authentic political figure, emphasizing that Nigeria is fortunate to have him at the helm. "This is the first time Nigeria as a nation is lucky to have a politician as President," Ganduje said. "His constituency is politics; his upbringing is politics because he believes in the unity of this country. In fact, he struggled; he was even in exile for democracy to survive in Nigeria."
He further asserted that no better candidate exists from southern Nigeria to lead the country beyond 2027. "There is no better person to be elected in 2027 than Bola Ahmed Tinubu," Ganduje declared. "Pertaining to the next election in 2027, those that are nursing or thinking otherwise, that the North will vote for another candidate other than Asiwaju, are making a big mistake."
The statement comes amid ongoing debates about regional support for Tinubu's administration. Some northern voices have accused the federal government of favoring the South in appointments and resource allocation, fueling speculation that Tinubu could face reduced backing in the North during the next polls. President Tinubu has consistently refuted these allegations, pointing to official records showing a higher number of northern appointees in key government positions compared to their southern counterparts.
Ganduje directly countered such narratives, insisting that perceptions of northern disaffection are overstated and that the region recognizes Tinubu's contributions. He praised the youth leaders for their proactive stance, including plans to mobilize voters across the 19 northern states and raise funds to purchase Tinubu's nomination forms ahead of the election cycle.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, its national leader, Murtala Gamji, reaffirmed the group's commitment: "We have all agreed to support the re-election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by massively mobilising all the youths in the 19 Northern states and to raise fund to buy his nomination form ahead of the election." Gamji added that no other leader has supported northern interests as Tinubu has, describing rumors of northern withdrawal of support as unfounded.
The visit and Ganduje's remarks underscore efforts within the ruling APC to consolidate northern backing early, particularly from influential figures and youth networks. Ganduje, a key Tinubu ally who played a significant role in the APC's structure during his tenure as national chairman, continues to wield influence in northern political circles despite stepping down from the party post.
Political analysts view the endorsement as strategic, given Ganduje's stature as a former two-term Kano governor and his deep roots in the region's politics. His comments aim to project unity within the APC and counter opposition narratives that seek to exploit perceived regional imbalances.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, statements like Ganduje's highlight the early positioning of key players. With Tinubu's administration focusing on economic reforms, security, and infrastructure, northern support remains a critical factor in determining the electoral landscape.
Ganduje's praise for Tinubu's democratic credentials—referencing his exile during the military era under General Sani Abacha—resonates with those who credit the president with long-standing advocacy for civilian rule and national cohesion.
The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum's pledge to mobilize and fundraise signals grassroots momentum, potentially strengthening Tinubu's prospects in a region that has historically been pivotal in presidential contests.
While challenges persist, including economic hardships and security concerns affecting public sentiment, endorsements from figures like Ganduje aim to reinforce confidence in the president's leadership and vision for a united Nigeria.
