Former Kogi State Gov. Yahaya Bello predicted a landslide for Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 as President Bola Tinubu’s allies organized in the north amid concerns about living costs.
Bello made the forecast in an Oct. 18 interview on TVC News’ Politics on Sunday. A day earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima opened an Abuja office for Arewa for Asiwaju and inaugurated its campaign structure.
The group aims to mobilize northern voters for Tinubu. Its director general, Abubakar Mohammed Badaru, said organizers would focus on contacts in local government areas and wards. The group’s board chair said it also worked for Tinubu in 2023.
Shettima urged supporters to explain the administration’s policies with evidence and listen to people affected by higher costs. He cited the strain on traders and families and the difficulty graduates face finding work. “The mandate belongs to the people,” he said.
The northern effort is part of a broader election push. Tinubu inaugurated a national campaign council on Oct. 14, and the council plans to review its calendar before a launch in Kaduna.
Premium Times reported that Bello defended Tinubu’s record on infrastructure and security. The outlet also reported his claim that less than 5% of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road project remained unfinished. That overall estimate is unverified. The Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) said Sept. 9 that one 118-kilometer section was complete and a separate 164-kilometer section was more than 60% complete. An Oct. 8 government account of Works Minister David Umahi’s remarks described continuing work on the Jere–Kaduna portion but gave no completion figure for the full route.
Bello also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s changes of party, arguing that political consistency helps leaders retain support. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) schedules presidential and National Assembly voting for Jan. 16, 2027, followed by governorship and state assembly elections Feb. 6.
