Vice-President Kashim Shettima has warned that growing support in northern Nigeria for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid must not be taken for granted. He said the administration must earn voters’ continued confidence through transparency, accountability and measurable results ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Shettima made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) campaign headquarters and inauguration of its campaign structure.
Shettima said the political backing expressed by supporters across the North placed a responsibility on the government to demonstrate how its policies and reforms were improving Nigerians’ lives. He maintained that the administration’s bid for a second term should be based on its record in office and a clear explanation of how another four years would serve the public interest. He also stressed that elected leaders must remain accountable to the people who gave them their mandate.
The Vice-President acknowledged that Nigerians had faced difficult economic adjustments, warning supporters against dismissing public concerns or relying on political slogans to defend government policies. He said the experiences of traders dealing with rising costs, graduates searching for employment and families struggling with household expenses should inform government decisions. Shettima also described criticism as an important part of democracy, urging the administration to listen to differing views regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or region.
He called on the A4A campaign organisation to serve not only as a platform for mobilising electoral support but also as a channel through which community concerns could reach government officials. Shettima identified security, economic opportunities, poverty reduction, education and stronger public institutions as key priorities. He said the responsibilities of governance must continue beyond election campaigns, adding that public officials should remain focused on addressing citizens’ needs.
Other political leaders at the event also called for support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027. All Progressives Congress National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda cited Shettima’s leadership and what he described as the administration’s achievements, while Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume urged the North to assess the government based on evidence rather than sentiment. Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, speaking on behalf of northern governors, also expressed support for the ticket, citing the administration’s performance and its stated commitment to unity and development.
