Arewa Must Rethink Its Priorities and Rally Behind President Tinubu — Victor Mathew Bobai
Speaking to journalists shortly after a high-level interactive session organized by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation on “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,” held at Arewa House, Kaduna, Victor Mathew Bobai, a major stakeholder in the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Deputy Public Relations Officer of the ACF Kaduna State Chapter, issued a heartfelt appeal to northern leaders and the wider Arewa community.
Bobai stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given northern Nigeria all the tools needed for meaningful development, particularly in the area of security, subnational empowerment, and inclusive governance, but warned that continuing to politicize insecurity could cost the region dearly.
“It will be difficult for Arewa to achieve any real development if our leadership fails to support critical figures like Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, both of whom are working tirelessly to restore peace and security in our region,” Bobai stated with concern.
He noted that President Tinubu has shown exceptional goodwill toward the North by placing trusted northern sons in key security positions and by extending federal collaboration to state governors in unprecedented ways.
“No president in Nigeria’s history has supported governors and sub-national governments like President Bola Tinubu. He is not only empowering states, but also breaking new ground by engaging non-state actors to understand and resolve the root causes of insecurity in the North. That is visionary leadership,” he added.
Bobai, visibly emotional, said the North must take responsibility for its future:
“We must stop blaming others. We must stop politicizing insecurity. We must take ownership of our problems and clean our own mess. Tinubu has done his part. Arewa must rise.”
On the 2027 presidential elections, Bobai made a strong case for continuity and loyalty:
“Politically, it is only fair and strategic that we rally around Mr. President to complete his second term. That’s how we build trust in a democratic federation. After that, power can return to the North. But we must prove that we are partners in progress—not just beneficiaries of power.”
With his voice firm but passionate, Bobai concluded:
“President Tinubu deserves our support in 2027, not just because of politics, but because of what he has done for the North. If we fail to stand by him, we risk losing not only federal goodwill but the stability we so desperately need.”
