Jane Salihu
The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum (NNYLF) on Monday presented a ₦200 million cheque as part of its contribution toward the purchase of the nomination form for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition, formally endorsing him for re-election under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The presentation took place in Maitama, Abuja, during a high-level youth leadership and stakeholders’ engagement that brought together youth leaders, professionals, grassroots mobilisers and political stakeholders from across the 19 states of Northern Nigeria.
The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, where the Forum unanimously declared its support for President Tinubu, citing the need for policy continuity, reform consolidation and long-term national development.
In the communiqué, co-signed by the National Leader of the Forum, Gamji Murtala, and the Director of Operations, Dr Agbana John, the NNYLF resolved to mobilise youths peacefully across the North in support of democratic participation, national unity and responsible civic engagement.
The Forum also announced the institutionalisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Platform, designed to serve as a strategic network for policy advocacy, grassroots enlightenment, leadership development and community engagement.
Speaking during an interview at the event, Murtala said the decision to support President Tinubu was unanimous and backed by the Forum’s Board of Trustees, grand patrons and other critical stakeholders.
“This decision has the full agreement of Northern Nigeria youth leadership, with the support of our BOTs, our grand patrons and key stakeholders. We are professional youth leaders, both at home and in the diaspora, and we have decided to stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
He explained that the support was anchored on the principle of national unity and power rotation, stressing that the South should be allowed to complete its eight years in line with political understanding and national balance.
“We believe in the unity of Nigeria and in the agreement that power should rotate. The South supported the North for eight years, and it is only right that the North supports the South to complete its tenure,” Murtala added.
According to him, Northern youths have seen tangible progress under the Tinubu administration, particularly in the areas of security, agriculture and infrastructure.
“We have seen what the President is doing, from Sokoto to Badagry, from Bauchi to Taraba, Benue, Kaduna and Kano. These are visible efforts that give us confidence in his leadership,” he said.
Murtala further noted that the gathering reflected broad-based inclusion, with representation cutting across ethnic, religious and regional lines, including leaders from the South-East and South-South.
In its communiqué, the Forum also called on public institutions to deepen youth-inclusive governance frameworks and urged development partners to collaborate with credible youth-led platforms to expand youth-focused programmes across Northern Nigeria.
The NNYLF reaffirmed its commitment to building a disciplined, informed and development-driven youth movement, pledging to promote peace, reject political violence and counter misinformation ahead of future electoral engagements.
