Shettima Assures North of Tinubu’s Second Term, Cites ₦450bn Farmers’ Support

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged northern political leaders and citizens to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the region stands to benefit further from the administration’s policies, agricultural programmes and development projects.

Shettima made the appeal when he received a delegation from Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern political support group, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The delegation expressed support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition and discussed plans to mobilise backing across northern Nigeria.

The Vice President maintained that northern Nigeria had no reason to fear another Tinubu administration, pointing to federal appointments, development initiatives and agricultural interventions that he said had benefited the region.

He called on northern leaders to unite around a common development agenda, stressing that the welfare of citizens and the region’s economic progress should remain central to political engagement.

“Let’s unite as a people and work for the development of our region and the progress of our people through the re-election of this administration,” Shettima said.

He added that the North had benefited from the administration and could gain further advantages if the President secured another four-year term.

As part of his argument, Shettima cited the reported disbursement of ₦450 billion to approximately 700,000 smallholder farmers nationwide, stating that about 70 per cent of the beneficiaries were from northern Nigeria.

The Vice President presented the figures as evidence of the administration’s agricultural support for the region and its efforts to improve farmers’ access to financing.

Agriculture remains an important source of employment and livelihoods across northern Nigeria, making access to finance, farm inputs, security and reliable markets significant issues for rural communities.

However, the figures cited by Shettima represent claims made by the Vice President. Further details on the distribution of the funds, the financing terms and the measurable impact on beneficiaries would help establish the programme’s broader economic outcomes.

Shettima also said the Federal Government was working towards completing major development projects in different parts of the country, assuring the delegation of Tinubu’s commitment to northern Nigeria.

The visit highlights growing political mobilisation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with supporters of the incumbent administration seeking to consolidate backing across the country’s geopolitical zones.

According to reports on the meeting, the group intends to strengthen its grassroots outreach across wards, communities and local government areas in northern Nigeria.

Former Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru, identified in reports as the group’s Director-General, said the organisation would continue its mobilisation efforts in support of Tinubu’s re-election.

Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has also been identified as a leading figure in the group. Reports indicate that the organisation intends to coordinate its activities and engage influential community and religious leaders as part of its political outreach.

Beyond political endorsements, the debate over Tinubu’s possible second term is likely to remain closely connected to economic conditions, employment, food security, infrastructure and insecurity across northern Nigeria.

Although Shettima emphasised the administration’s claimed achievements and future commitments, the impact of government policies will ultimately be assessed through their practical effects on citizens, including farmers, traders, young people and vulnerable households.

For northern communities facing economic pressures and persistent security challenges in parts of the region, the implementation of development programmes and the delivery of measurable results remain important considerations.

The A4A delegation’s visit therefore reflects both the political effort to secure northern support for Tinubu and the administration’s attempt to demonstrate that its policies are addressing regional concerns.

As the 2027 election approaches, the effectiveness of the government’s interventions, alongside the competing policy proposals of other political actors, will remain central to public scrutiny.

Vice President Kashim Shettima urges northern leaders to support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, citing agricultural funding, federal appointments and development projects.