Tinubu’s 2027 Bid Gets Backing Call from Northern Youths, Obidient Movement Responds

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

Dr Umar Tanko-Yakasai, Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), has urged Northern political figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai—to uphold integrity by supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Tanko-Yakasai made the call yesterday while receiving a N200 million dummy cheque from the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum (NNYLF), intended to fund the purchase of Tinubu’s nomination and expression of interest forms for the upcoming elections.

He praised the northern youths for their initiative and encouraged regional political leaders to prioritize national unity, justice, and fairness over personal ambition. 

Tanko-Yakasai emphasized that the North should allow President Tinubu to serve a complete two-term tenure, drawing a parallel with the uninterrupted eight-year presidency of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

“For us in northern Nigeria, we are men of our word,” he said. “Those seeking the presidency in 2027 should not let personal interests override justice, fairness, and equity. The presidency should remain in southern Nigeria for the full eight-year period, as promised.”

He also noted that his advocacy reflects a consistent ideological stance, recalling his support for justice during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement has dismissed claims that its supporters are divisive, describing such allegations as a deliberate attempt to avoid scrutiny as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of Obidient Movement Worldwide, the group said: “Labeling Obidients as divisive misrepresents both the origins and mission of the movement. 

We did not emerge from extremism or intolerance but from years of poor governance, rising poverty, institutional decay, and a political system that repeatedly excluded ordinary Nigerians.”

The statement also clarified the movement’s involvement in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, stressing that political alliances are meant to expand ideas, deepen debate, and strengthen alternatives—not demand blind loyalty or silence dissenting voices.