A political support group that previously campaigned for President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn its support for him and declared its backing for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group, known as the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum, has announced its decision to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and support Atiku’s presidential ambition.
As part of the move, the organisation has changed its name to Arewa Youth For Atiku (AYA), signalling a major shift in its political allegiance ahead of the next general election.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by Adamu Jikan Manu on behalf of the newly named organisation on November 13, 2026.
According to the statement, the group planned to formally declare its support for Atiku and announce its defection to the ADC on Saturday, November 14, at the party’s North East Strategic Office in Azare, Bauchi State.
The event was scheduled to be led by the group’s convener, Hon. Auwal Ibrahim Sansani.
The organisation also called on its members, supporters, community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, women organisations, students, market associations, professionals and other stakeholders across Northern Nigeria to attend the declaration ceremony.
Explaining the reason behind its new political direction, the group said its decision to move away from Tinubu’s political camp was driven by its desire to promote responsible leadership, national unity, effective governance and greater participation by citizens.
The group explained that its transformation from Tinubu Northern Youth Forum to Arewa Youth For Atiku was aimed at building a wider platform for youth mobilisation, political awareness, community outreach and democratic participation across the Northern states.
It said the new organisation would focus on bringing more young people and other stakeholders into the political process while mobilising support for Atiku ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group further encouraged Nigerians who shared its vision to join its political movement and participate peacefully in the democratic process.
It also called on its supporters to unite behind Atiku as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.
The organisation adopted the slogan Join the Atiku Train as part of its new campaign, urging Nigerians to support the former vice president.
The development represents another political shift ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with political groups and opposition figures beginning to reposition themselves as the contest for the presidency draws closer.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president from 1999 to 2007, contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to Tinubu.
He has since emerged as a major opposition figure and secured the ADC presidential ticket for the 2027 election, although his nomination has faced a legal challenge over the party’s leadership structure.
A Federal High Court ruling on November 5, 2026, nullified the processes that produced the ADC leadership associated with former Senate President David Mark and affected decisions arising from that leadership, including Atiku’s nomination.
The ADC has rejected the ruling as politically motivated and indicated that it would challenge the decision in court.
Despite the legal dispute, the latest announcement by the Northern youth group adds to the political activities surrounding Atiku’s campaign and the ADC’s efforts to build support ahead of the 2027 election.
The size of the group and the number of supporters expected to follow its new political direction have not been disclosed.
