Former Kano Governor Says Group Is Ready to Hit the Ground Running as Northern Political Stakeholders Rally Behind Tinubu–Shettima Ticket
Chioma Vivian James/ABUJA, October 17, 2026
The Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a northern political support group, has declared its readiness to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, following the commissioning of its new national secretariat in Abuja.
The Chairman of the group’s Board of Trustees and former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, gave the assurance on Saturday during the commissioning of the secretariat at No. 4 Port Harcourt Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. The facility was officially commissioned by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Shekarau declared that the group would not waste time but would immediately embark on purposeful and aggressive mobilisation to advance its political objectives ahead of the 2027 general election.
He described the commissioning as a significant milestone in the group’s political journey, expressing gratitude to God for the safe arrival of delegates who travelled from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory to witness the occasion.
The former governor also commended Vice President Shettima for personally attending the ceremony and commissioning the facility, describing him as a prominent political leader from the North.
Shekarau equally acknowledged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stressing that the party’s leadership remained central to efforts aimed at strengthening its political fortunes.
According to him, the success of any initiative designed to advance the party’s interests depends significantly on the commitment and direction provided by its leadership.
He expressed appreciation to members of the National Assembly, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, as well as governors, former governors, former National Assembly leaders and other political stakeholders who attended the event.
Shekarau particularly acknowledged Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, alongside serving ministers, heads of government agencies, presidential aides and senior citizens from the northern region.
The A4A Board of Trustees chairman also commended members of the board, directors, secretariat staff and other supporters whose contributions helped make the commissioning possible.
He assured them of his continued support, urging the various structures of the organisation to remain committed to implementing programmes that would advance the group’s mission.
He further recognised state coordinators, delegates and supporters for their participation, noting that many other party supporters who could not enter the building remained outside the venue.
Shekarau also aligned himself with the position earlier expressed by the Director-General of A4A, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who reaffirmed the group’s conviction that the Tinubu–Shettima ticket deserved another term in office based on its assessment of the administration’s performance.
He reiterated that the organisation remained committed to its objectives, assuring members and supporters that the new secretariat would serve as a focal point for coordinating its activities and strengthening its mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The commissioning attracted a broad gathering of political leaders and government officials, underscoring the group’s efforts to consolidate support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid across the northern region and beyond.
