The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has vehemently refuted claims made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, that the North has endorsed the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections. NEYGA, a coalition of young leaders in the region, characterized Lawal’s declaration as a “shameless fabrication” and a desperate political maneuver designed to mislead the public. They argue that the purported endorsement, which emerged from a meeting in Abuja, lacks legitimacy and does not represent the collective will of the Northern population. The group emphasizes the necessity of broad-based consultations with traditional rulers, youth leaders, and key stakeholders for any political decision of such significance, as opposed to what they described as a secretive gathering of political opportunists.
NEYGA directly challenged the composition of the meeting, alleging that it consisted primarily of loyalists to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar posing as representatives of the North. They cautioned Nigerians against accepting the declaration, which they labelled “fraudulent and undemocratic.” The group further accused Lawal and his associates of exploiting the concept of Northern unity for personal gain, asserting that many of those now claiming to be regional champions have a history of failing the North while holding positions of power. This accusation underscores a deeper distrust of the motives behind the alleged ADC endorsement, suggesting that it serves the interests of individuals rather than the genuine needs of the region.
The youth group emphasized its commitment to identifying true patriots from opportunists and preventing the North from being manipulated into another ill-advised political endeavor by those who view the region as a stepping stone to power. This highlights a sense of historical awareness and a resolve to avoid repeating past mistakes. They vowed to resist any attempt to subvert the democratic will of the North and cautioned the region’s population against political actors peddling a false sense of consensus. This underscores the importance of genuine grassroots engagement and participatory decision-making in the region’s political landscape.
NEYGA’s statement further elaborated on the group’s suspicion of Lawal and his associates, portraying them as individuals motivated by personal vendettas rather than the best interests of the North. They emphasized the need for genuine and inclusive discussions involving all relevant stakeholders when making crucial political decisions concerning the region’s future. This reinforces their commitment to a democratic process and underscores the importance of representing the diverse interests within the North.
The statement concluded with a strong declaration: “The North is awake, and we will not be fooled again.” This serves as both a warning to political opportunists and a declaration of the North’s growing political consciousness and determination to chart its own political course. It highlights the group’s resolve to hold political actors accountable and to prevent the manipulation of the region for personal or narrow political gain.
In summary, NEYGA’s response to Lawal’s claim represents a strong rejection of what they perceive as a manipulative political tactic. They emphasize the importance of inclusive decision-making processes, warn against the exploitation of the North for personal gain, and highlight the region’s burgeoning political awareness. Their statement serves as a call for genuine leadership and a clear assertion of the North’s commitment to determining its own political future. The group’s decisive stance underscores the dynamic and complex political landscape in the region as it approaches the 2027 elections. The rejection of Lawal’s declaration signifies not just a disagreement over party affiliation but a deeper concern about representation, accountability, and the genuine needs of the Northern population.
