The announcement signals one of the earliest and most coordinated expressions of grassroots dissatisfaction with the current administration from the part of the country that delivered a decisive voting bloc in 2023.
“Two years of hardship and abandonment”
Speaking through a joint statement, northern elders said the decision followed 24 months of economic hardship, rising insecurity, and what they described as the federal government’s failure to fulfill campaign promises.
“Enough is enough. We brought him to power and we are the ones suffering the most,” the coalition said. “The North will not come out to dance, clap, or mobilize for APC in 2027. We have rejected Tinubu.”
The group listed several grievances. They cited the slow pace of work on major federal projects, including the Abuja-Kano expressway. They also pointed to worsening banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on farming communities across the Northwest and Northcentral zones.
Rising costs of food, fuel and transportation were also highlighted as key factors eroding household incomes. Leaders accused the administration of sidelining critical voices from the region and of failing to consult northern stakeholders on policies with direct impact on the area.
Youth and community voices
Youth leaders from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Niger states echoed the elders’ position during separate town hall meetings held last week.
“We voted with our chest in 2023. Today our markets are empty, our roads are death traps, and our children have no future,” a youth leader from Kano told attendees. “No amount of rallies will bring us out in 2027.”
Traditional rulers in several emirates said they would not host APC campaign teams or allow political gatherings on palace grounds unless there are visible changes in security and economic conditions before 2027.
Women’s groups also joined the declaration, saying rising prices of basic food items have made daily survival difficult. “We are tired of excuses. We need action on the ground, not promises,” a representative from Sokoto said.
Political implications for 2027
Political analysts say a mass stay-away from APC campaign events in the North could significantly alter the electoral map in 2027. The region accounts for a large share of registered voters and has historically determined the outcome of presidential races.
The Arewa Consultative Forum and other prominent northern platforms have in recent months warned that the region “cannot be forced to re-elect” any candidate. They argued that votes must be earned through performance, not through party loyalty or patronage.
“This is not just about one man. It is about accountability,” an ACF chieftain said. “If the people do not see results, they will not come out.”
Observers note that the boycott, if sustained, could force the APC to re-strategize or seek new alliances in the region. It may also open space for opposition parties to make inroads ahead of 2027.
Government yet to respond
As of press time, the Presidency and APC national leadership had not issued an official response to the boycott declaration.
Federal officials have previously defended the administration’s record, pointing to ongoing reforms, security operations, and infrastructure investments. However, critics argue that the impact of those policies has not been felt at the grassroots.
Message from the grassroots
Across markets, motor parks and community meetings in the North, a common refrain is now emerging ahead of 2027: “No results, No crowd. No campaign.”
For many northern voters, the message is clear. Support in the next election cycle will depend on measurable improvements in security, cost of living, and delivery of federal projects.
With more than two years until the polls, political watchers say the coming months will determine whether the current tension leads to reconciliation, policy shifts, or a major realignment in northern politics.
