The Northern Progressives Coalition (NPC) has enthusiastically endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for re-election in 2027, citing their transformative leadership and impactful policies that have significantly benefited Northern Nigeria. The coalition, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, lauded the administration’s accomplishments, particularly in the education sector, as unprecedented in Nigeria’s post-independence history. They highlighted the establishment of over 120 learning centers equipped with solar power and safe water systems across Northern senatorial districts, along with the revitalization of 101 Almajiri and Tsangaya education centers in key states like Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, and Kano, in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission. These initiatives, coupled with the National Student Loan Scheme, which has disproportionately benefited Northern students, demonstrate the administration’s commitment to addressing historical educational disparities in the region.
The NPC emphasized the significant role of education in fostering socio-political and economic development in the North. They argued that Tinubu and Shettima’s focus on educational reforms, including the modernization of traditional Islamic learning centers, represents a genuine effort to integrate and uplift marginalized communities. The coalition underscored the importance of providing equal educational opportunities to all children, regardless of their background or location, as a cornerstone of regional and national progress. By investing in education, the administration is not only empowering individuals but also laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable future for the North.
Beyond education, the NPC commended the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting major projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, and the Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road dualisation. These projects, according to the coalition, represent crucial investments in connectivity and economic growth, facilitating trade, reducing travel time, and opening up new opportunities for businesses and communities. They believe that improved infrastructure is essential for unlocking the North’s economic potential and integrating the region more effectively into the national economy.
The coalition also praised the administration’s economic empowerment initiatives, though specific details were not provided in the original statement. They emphasized the importance of creating jobs, boosting entrepreneurship, and providing access to finance for Northern businesses. They believe that these initiatives are crucial for reducing poverty, creating wealth, and improving the overall quality of life in the region. By empowering individuals and communities economically, the government is fostering self-reliance, reducing dependence on government assistance, and creating a more vibrant and dynamic economy.
The NPC hailed the appointment of Northern technocrats to strategic positions within the government, viewing it as a testament to the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and regional representation. They contrasted this with previous administrations where, they argued, Northern representation was often tokenistic. They emphasized the importance of having qualified and experienced individuals from the North playing key roles in shaping national policies and driving development initiatives. This, they believe, will ensure that the region’s unique needs and priorities are adequately addressed at the highest levels of government.
Finally, the NPC called for greater accountability from Northern appointees, urging them to prioritize the region’s development and serve with integrity. They emphasized the need for these appointees to act as effective advocates for the North, ensuring that the region receives its fair share of resources and benefits from government programs. The coalition stressed the importance of transparency and good governance, urging appointees to avoid corruption and prioritize the welfare of the people they serve. They believe that by working together, the government and the people of the North can build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for the region and for Nigeria as a whole.
