A pro-governance advocacy platform, Nigeria Forward Project, on Friday called on political stakeholders in Northern Nigeria to respect the nation’s power-sharing arrangement by supporting President Bola Tinubu to complete a two-term tenure in office.
The group made the appeal at the formal unveiling of Nigeria Forward in Abuja, describing the platform as a broad-based movement aimed at promoting national unity, citizen engagement and continuity in governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, the Co-Convener of the project and Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, argued that allowing the current administration to complete an eight-year tenure would strengthen political stability and provide room for ongoing reforms to mature.
According to him, President Tinubu inherited enormous economic and security challenges upon assuming office in 2023, but has since embarked on policies aimed at repositioning the country.
Waiya urged Nigerians to focus on national development rather than divisive political narratives, insisting that continuity in governance would help consolidate ongoing reforms and developmental initiatives.
He cited local government autonomy, increased financial resources to sub-national governments and efforts towards the establishment of state police structures as some of the reforms capable of deepening democracy and improving security across the country.
The commissioner disclosed that Kano State had already inaugurated a committee on the implementation of state policing, expressing optimism that the initiative would create employment opportunities and strengthen internal security when operational.
On the challenge of poverty in Northern Nigeria, Waiya maintained that responsibility for addressing the problem should not be placed solely on the Federal Government, stressing that citizens, state governments and other stakeholders also have critical roles to play.
“Democracy is a social project. Citizens must not only participate in political debates but also engage in efforts that drive development and hold leaders accountable,” he said.
He described Nigeria Forward as a “rainbow coalition” open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, adding that the platform was created to mobilise citizens around shared national interests.
Waiya said Nigeria possessed enormous potential for growth and prosperity if citizens remained united and committed to collective progress.
Also speaking, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, represented by the Minister of State for Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, said the movement would help bridge the gap between government policies and the people by promoting awareness of intervention programmes and encouraging community participation in development efforts.
He identified the student loan scheme and youth-focused innovation programmes as key initiatives with the potential to expand opportunities for young Nigerians if properly implemented.
The minister noted that while the country still faced significant economic challenges, recent economic indicators suggested signs of improvement, stressing the need to ensure that growth translates into better living conditions for citizens.
According to him, science, technology and innovation remain critical tools for addressing unemployment, boosting productivity and driving sustainable economic development.
He described Nigeria Forward as a coalition of civil society groups, academics, youth organisations, entrepreneurs and community-based associations committed to supporting national development and citizen participation in governance.
