The National President of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima, has strongly responded to the remarks made by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, urging northern politicians to abandon any plans of contesting the presidency in 2027.
Ganduje had earlier advised northern politicians with presidential ambitions to step aside, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu would serve two full terms in office. According to Ganduje, the North should support Tinubu’s re-election bid instead of fielding a candidate against him.
In an interview with Vanguard, Shettima did not hold back in his criticism of Ganduje’s statement. He described it as an attempt to silence opposition voices and restrict democratic participation. Shettima argued that such remarks raise fundamental concerns about Nigeria’s democracy, particularly regarding fair competition and equal political rights.
He said, “Ganduje’s call for northern politicians to drop any ambition of contesting against Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election raises important questions about the principles of democracy and the fundamental right to political participation.
“Democracy thrives on the freedom of choice, and every eligible citizen has the right to contest for political office without undue influence or coercion. The Nigerian constitution guarantees this right, and any attempt to suppress political aspirations undermines the democratic process.
“By discouraging candidates from the North from running, Ganduje’s position could be interpreted as an attempt to limit political competition and dictate electoral outcomes in favor of a particular individual or faction.
“In a functional democracy, voters should have the power to decide who leads them. Political leaders should encourage a broad spectrum of candidates, rather than imposing a single choice on the electorate.
“Nigeria is a diverse and multi-ethnic nation, and all regions and groups should have equal opportunities to participate in the political process. Suppressing competition for the presidency under the guise of party loyalty or regional interests contradicts the essence of democracy.
“Furthermore, the 2027 presidential election is still several years away. Making such sweeping declarations about who should or should not contest at this stage is premature and uncalled for. Politics should be open to all interested individuals who meet the constitutional requirements for leadership roles.
“Ganduje’s directive could be seen as an attempt to consolidate power within a particular political faction rather than fostering a fair and transparent electoral process. The people must have the freedom to choose from a wide range of candidates representing diverse perspectives and interests.
“Political competition should not be discouraged. Instead, it should be promoted as a means of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring accountability in governance. Voters deserve a broad selection of candidates with different backgrounds, ideologies, and policy proposals.
“As responsible citizens and stakeholders in the democratic process, we must uphold these principles and advocate for an open and inclusive political landscape. Every individual should have the opportunity to participate in elections without fear of discrimination, intimidation, or undue restrictions.”