A coalition of politicians opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election has emphasized that the ultimate power to choose leaders across all government levels rests with the electorate in the 2027 polls.
Mr. Babachir D. Lawal, Chairman of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) for the North, made the remarks at the conclusion of the group’s second expanded meeting held in Abuja. He criticized certain elected officials for what he called “impunity,” accusing them of making decisions without consulting their constituents.
In a pointed reference to the Senate, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) led by Hope Uzodinma, and the leadership of the National Assembly endorsing Tinubu for a second term, the coalition accused these bodies of usurping the people’s power by preemptively endorsing themselves and others without public consent.
The coalition urged voters to sanction such leaders, warning that doing so would serve as a deterrent against similar future actions by politicians.
The group also announced plans to launch a political platform dedicated to advancing the interests of the Northern region and the nation. It stressed the urgent need for selfless leadership in political parties and governance.
Members agreed to expand their initiative across all 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), supported by a structured framework.
Highlighting economic priorities, the coalition insisted that the North must focus on industrialization and increased productivity across sectors to overcome the current economic challenges. They emphasized that support for any election candidates should be based on enforceable agreements that safeguard the region’s informed interests, regardless of the candidates’ origins.
To ensure effective implementation of their decisions, the group resolved to establish committees tasked with monitoring progress.
The meeting was attended by prominent political leaders from all Northern states and the FCT, with a central focus on addressing insecurity challenges in the region. A keynote address was delivered by Abubakar Malami SAN.
The coalition also received goodwill messages from key political figures representing other regions: Mr. Rotimi Amaechi (South-South), Mr. Peter Obi (South-East), and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (South-West).
