Arewa media forum urges Nigerians to prioritise competence over party loyalty in 2027

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) has urged Nigerians to look beyond political party affiliations and focus on the leadership capacity and competence of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, said the forthcoming elections would be crucial to Nigeria’s future, stressing that citizens must make informed choices at the ballot box.

According to him, no political party possesses all the solutions to the country’s challenges, making it imperative for voters to critically assess the qualities and capabilities of those seeking public office.

“We are running a democracy, and our advice is that Nigerians should open their eyes and look at what is going on,” Yelwa said.

“The capacity of political leaders is an important aspect of what they should look for. No single political party has all the answers.

“The vote is yours to cast, and we urge Nigerians to take more time to educate themselves on the political choices they make.”

Yelwa, a political scientist, also cautioned politicians against exploiting the nation’s security challenges for partisan advantage, warning that such actions could undermine efforts to restore peace and stability.

“The best way to confront insecurity is to solve it. Let leaders not politicise it. Let us allow the people who have the responsibility to do their best,” he said.

On unemployment, Yelwa called on governments at all levels to rethink and strengthen youth empowerment programmes, noting that conventional approaches have failed to deliver sustainable results.

He argued that empowerment initiatives should go beyond distributing motorcycles and vocational tools, as many beneficiaries often sell the items shortly after receiving them.

“We are calling on government to review its youth engagement strategy and involve experts who can help design programmes that deliver lasting impact,” he said.

Yelwa expressed the forum’s readiness to partner with government agencies and stakeholders to expand and improve youth empowerment initiatives across the country.

Also speaking, a member of the forum’s board, Alhaji Shu’aibu Mungadi, urged the Federal Government to establish and enforce stricter regulatory frameworks to curb the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Mungadi expressed concern over the widespread theft of minerals in northern states, including Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Sokoto, Niger and Nasarawa, describing illegal mining as a major contributor to insecurity in the region.

He said the North had gained little from its vast mineral wealth due to alleged collusion between influential Nigerians and foreign operators involved in illegal mining activities.

“The North is not benefiting in any way from the abundant mineral resources, especially gold, that are being stolen daily by powerful Nigerians in collaboration with expatriates,” Mungadi said.

“There is currently no transparent policy in place to tell Nigerians what is being realised from these resources.”

He maintained that there was a strong link between illegal mining operations and the activities of bandits and other criminal groups, stressing that security agencies would struggle to contain rural violence unless the illicit networks financing it were dismantled.

Mungadi added that the ABMPF was established to amplify the voices of ordinary northerners and other Nigerians affected by poor governance, insecurity and economic hardship.

(NAN)