By Osaretin Osadebamwen
A fresh political storm is gathering within the All Progressives Congress as a coalition of northern youth stakeholders has threatened to withdraw its grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The aggrieved youth-group have cited systematic marginalisation of Arewa youths in party appointments and federal leadership structures.
The ultimatum followed a strategic meeting convened by the North-West APC Youth Stakeholders Forum, whose leadership later issued a strongly worded statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Amb. Salawudeen Shaibu Planner.
The forum alleged that northern youths have been deliberately excluded from strategic positions within youth-focused political and governmental institutions, creating deep dissatisfaction that could undermine party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A major point of contention raised by the group was the perceived dominance of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, in shaping youth political structures.
The forum claimed that appointments and leadership roles have disproportionately favoured individuals from the South-West, while support groups led by northern youths have been compelled to operate through what it described as Yoruba-dominated movements.
This, the group said this situation, amounted to discrimination against a region that delivered substantial votes for the APC in the 2023 polls.
To press its demands, the forum activated a comprehensive grassroots machinery, announcing the appointment of Hon. Haruna Sardauna and Mallam Idiris Jibrin as zonal coordinators for the North-East and North-Central regions.
The leadership further disclosed that directives had been dispatched to 1,378 registered APC support group leaders across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, mandating them to begin consultations on a total withdrawal of support unless their grievances are urgently addressed.
“We want Seyi Tinubu to know that Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the APC belongs to all Nigerians. Arewa gave his father substantial votes during the 2023 election and deserves equal respect and inclusion,” the statement reads.
Coordinating Chairman Hon. Bashir Ruma urged northern youth leaders to remain united and peaceful while pursuing what he described as a legitimate quest for equitable representation.
