By Mohammed Abubakar
As the 2027 presidential election approaches, the Northern Christian Professionals have joined the push for increased participation of Arewa youths in governance and political activities.
This group, known for being the first Christian political organization to support the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2023 election, is committed to fostering political inclusion and constructive dialogue leading into 2027.
During a National Leadership Council meeting, the Northern Christian Professionals formally joined the Arewa Democratic Stakeholders Forum, endorsing the Arewa Youth Inclusion Advocacy Campaign spearheaded by Comrade Haruna Sardauna.
The coalition, which unites over 329 political support groups, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups, is seen as a crucial platform for voicing the concerns of the Arewa people regarding national governance.
The group emphasized that this broad coalition allows diverse stakeholders to collaboratively advocate for the political and developmental needs of the North while strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework. Hon. Izaac Abrak, National Coordinator of the Northern Christian Professionals, led a meeting in Abuja to discuss ongoing efforts by the Arewa Democratic Stakeholders Forum to connect with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency.
Abrak noted that the forum has begun consultations with key Northern and national stakeholders, as well as senior officials within President Tinubu’s administration, to elevate the concerns of supporters and ensure their voices are heard.
Despite the backlash surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket, the Northern Christian Professionals stood firmly behind the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, focusing on the APC’s overall success without seeking personal gain.
While affirming their loyalty to the APC, Abrak stressed the necessity for acknowledgment and inclusion of supporters in governance structures as the 2027 election nears.
He called upon the Presidency and APC leadership to heed the requests of stakeholders to ensure their contributions are recognized in political opportunities.
Additionally, Abrak urged APC support group leaders throughout Northern Nigeria to participate in the coalition, asserting that a united front will amplify discussions around youth inclusion and political participation.
Following a recent meeting with the Minister of Youth Development, he endorsed an approach favored through dialogue rather than confrontations, aiming to maintain stability within the party as the election draws closer.
To cement this partnership, Abrak has established a five-member committee tasked with meeting the National Chairman of the Arewa Democratic Stakeholders Forum, Hon. Haruna Sardauna, to present a partnership agreement and endorse the Arewa Youth Inclusion Advocacy Campaign formally.
Through this partnership, the Northern Christian Professionals aim to bolster advocacy for Arewa youths’ involvement in governance and support President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The group remains hopeful that ongoing dialogue and a unified stakeholder platform will enhance opportunities for young people and enrich political participation in the region as the 2027 elections approach.