Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum has reiterated the North’s strong backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing ongoing progress in infrastructure development, security, and economic reform as evidence of the administration’s commitment.
Speaking in Kaduna at the opening of a two-day interactive session organized by the Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Governor Yahaya said the event, themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-Citizen Engagement for National Unity,” is a critical platform for holding government accountable and deepening democratic participation.
“This session is not just about speeches—it’s about measuring promises against performance,” Yahaya said. “When candidate Tinubu addressed us during the campaign, he made concrete commitments to Northern Nigeria. The North responded with over 60% of the votes that brought him to office.”
The governor pointed to a range of high-impact federal projects currently underway across the region, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, the rehabilitation of the Kaduna Refinery, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, and the oil drilling activities at the Kolmani Oil Fields.
“These projects are not just promises; they are being executed,” he stated.
“This is what the renewed hope agenda looks like in action.”
Governor Yahaya also highlighted several proposed and ongoing initiatives aimed at transforming the region, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, improvements to inter-state roads, agricultural value chain programmes, and healthcare system upgrades all designed to uplift the North’s economic and social wellbeing.
On security, he reported significant progress, noting that over 300 bandit and terrorist leaders have been neutralized in recent operations, attributing this to enhanced military coordination and intelligence.
“The security challenges are real, but the tide is turning,” he said.
The governor praised the federal government’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, calling it a forward-thinking solution to the longstanding herder-farmer crisis.
He also acknowledged efforts to improve education, particularly initiatives aimed at addressing the Almajiri system and out-of-school children through collaboration with state governments and traditional institutions.
While recognizing the economic hardship caused by recent policy changes—such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification—Governor Yahaya defended them as tough but necessary decisions for long-term stability.
“These are painful adjustments, but they are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable economy,” he said.
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He urged all stakeholders in the North—governors, traditional and religious leaders, business figures, and civil society to support federal initiatives with strong local action in areas like infrastructure, education, and community development.
Governor Yahaya encouraged a fair and fact-based assessment of the Tinubu administration’s performance ahead of the 2027 elections.
“By the standard of delivery and results, President Tinubu has earned our continued support,” he declared.
Recalling the legacy of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Yahaya emphasised the need for unity between the North and other regions, especially the Southwest.
“Our partnership is not just electoral—it’s foundational to the peace and progress of this nation.”
He concluded by calling for continued engagement between citizens and government. “Democracy flourishes when we create space for honest dialogue. Together, we can overcome any challenge.”
The session brought together participants from across northern Nigeria, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, youth representatives, and senior officials, with discussions focused on enhancing citizen participation and government accountability.
