Yobe Youths Advocate for 2027 Governorship to be Zoned to North

A youth coalition known as Nguru Ina Mafita has publicly declared their demand for the Yobe State governorship position to be reserved for Yobe North (Zone C) in the upcoming 2027 elections, asserting that such a move is essential for equity and justice.

The spokesperson for the group, Ibrahim Mohammed Abubakar, stated that since the restoration of democracy in 1999, Yobe East (Zone A) has predominantly held the governorship, with a brief exception being the late Mamman Ali from Yobe South (Zone B), whose tenure was cut short by his death.

Abubakar further noted that Yobe South (Zone B) has consistently provided deputy governors, with a short deviation when Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, from Zone A, assumed the governorship after Mamman Ali's passing.

He expressed concern that Yobe North (Zone C) has not produced a governor, deputy governor, or minister since 1999. Even the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), which is typically zoned to the area, has been held by the same individual for almost 12 years, he added.

According to Abubakar, community leaders and stakeholders throughout Yobe North are in solidarity regarding their claim for the next governor to hail from their zone.

The Nguru LGA youth, under the banner of Nguru Ina Mafita, have officially declared their support for Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, the Tafidan Nguru Emirate, to vie for the governorship.

Describing Maihaja as a highly experienced politician and administrator, Abubakar believes he is well-equipped to propel the state's development. He highlighted Maihaja's past electoral experiences, including two previous gubernatorial bids in 2007 and 2015, and his significant role as Director of Campaign Planning for the Presidential Campaign Council that led to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's victory in 2023.

Abubakar urged Maihaja to heed the appeals from the elders and youths of Nguru to contest, emphasizing that this widespread support reflects the collective desire of the people in the region.

"This is not merely a personal ambition, but the expressed will of the people of Nguru LGA. As a respected elder statesman, he is expected to honor the aspirations of his constituents," Abubakar concluded.