Buni Urges Political Unity in Northeast, Seeks Stronger Backing for Tinubu’s Second Term
By Auwal Umar, Gombe
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who also chairs the Northeast Zonal Consultative Meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has delivered a powerful address rallying party leaders across the region, endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, and calling for greater unity to consolidate APC’s dominance in Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking at the high-profile zonal meeting in Gombe on Sunday, Buni praised the APC’s national leadership for initiating the zonal platform, describing it as a strategic forum for taking stock of the party’s achievements and addressing emerging challenges.
According to him, the initiative is proof of the party’s deep commitment to fostering good governance, strengthening service delivery, and building bridges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“From the First Republic to date, the Northeast has remained a critical political bloc in Nigeria,” Buni noted. “We are proud of our rich history, shaped by icons like Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Kashim Ibrahim, and Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, who championed Politics Without Bitterness.”
He further emphasised that the zone continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s leadership, with prominent figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, executive governors, and key federal and state legislators hailing from the Northeast.
“This legacy is too precious to be lost. We must rally behind the APC, the Tinubu-led federal government, and the APC administrations in Yobe, Gombe, and Adamawa States,” Buni charged.
He lauded the APC’s ten years in power, attributing the milestone to strategic planning, visionary leadership, and inclusiveness.
Drawing from his experience as a two-term National Secretary and former Caretaker Chairman of the APC, Buni called for strengthening internal cohesion, rewarding party loyalty, and intensifying efforts to attract more defectors from opposition parties.
“My prediction remains the same: APC will continue to be Nigeria’s ruling party for a long time, Inshaa Allah,” Buni affirmed. “But to achieve this, we must address disagreements wisely and continue to serve as a role model for other regions.”
On national security and economic matters, Buni commended President Tinubu for deploying bold policies to stabilise the country and tackle insecurity in the Northeast. He pledged the zone’s continued cooperation with federal authorities to ensure peace, especially as the rainy season approaches and farmers need access to farmlands.
“These reforms are not easy, but they hold great promise. One term may not be enough to realise their full potential. That is why, in the spirit of fairness and national interest, I call on this forum to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 elections,” Buni declared.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State commended President Tinubu for his economic reforms, which he said are beginning to yield results despite initial challenges.
He acknowledged various federal interventions in Gombe State and across the Northeast zone, noting that the administration’s commitment to infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment has positively impacted the region.
“The President’s economic policies are bold, courageous, and necessary for long-term growth,” Governor Inuwa said. “We in Gombe and across the Northeast have started witnessing improvements in key sectors, thanks to his leadership and the unwavering support of our party.”
Governor Inuwa echoed Buni’s call for unity, urging stakeholders to remain focused on the bigger picture: ensuring APC’s continued leadership at both state and federal levels.
The forum concluded with renewed commitment from party leaders, elders, youth, and women stakeholders to strengthen the APC, promote internal cohesion, and work together for a prosperous Northeast and a greater Nigeria.
