A political pressure group christened ‘Northern Minority Alliance for Balance Leadership’ (NOMAL) has set groups of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to evaluate the performance of appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, the co-convener of the group, Saleh Mallam Zaman, explained that the group is a coalition representing ethnic minorities from the Northern States of Nigeria, adding that it is vested with the responsibility of uniting minorities and minority interests in Nigeria to pursue inclusiveness, strengthening their voices, and ensuring balanced leadership and national development.
He pointed out that the engagement of the NGOs was part of the efforts of the group to promote good governance by monitoring and evaluating the performance of the appointees as part of the strategy to boost the chance of Mr President for a second term in 2027.
“If the appointees do not perform, it will be the failure of the president, and that is why we want to make sure that all the appointees perform creditably well and are on the same page with Mr President on his policies and economic reform of the nation.”
He pointed out that the majority of those who supported Mr Peter Obi’s presidential ambition in 2023 in the North have shifted their support and allegiance to President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
“We recognise and celebrate the positive impacts of Mr President’s policies in Northern Nigeria. Look at the Federal Government’s approval of $1.1 billion to dualise the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road, a critical economic artery that had been neglected for decades.
“Also, there is the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna, which will transform the socio-economic and educational landscape of the region.
“On healthcare, look at the creation of a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, to enhance access to quality medical services in underserved areas.
“In terms of security, there is the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock to address farmer-herder clashes and boost the livestock and dairy industries. These initiatives are directly addressing long-standing developmental and security challenges faced by our communities.
“President Tinubu’s leadership has been exemplary in promoting unity and bridging ethnic and regional divides. His administration reflects a genuine commitment to fostering a united Nigeria, where every citizen feels seen, heard, and represented. This approach is critical to maintaining peace and stability in our diverse nation.
“There is also his advocacy for local government autonomy. To this end, we support the administration’s push for granting financial and administrative autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local governments. This reform will empower grassroots governance, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every Nigerian.
“After reviewing President Tinubu’s achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we, as patriotic stakeholders, unequivocally affirm our unwavering support for his administration’s vision and programmes.”
He then appealed to President Tinubu to assent to the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) bill to address the unique developmental challenges facing the region, which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory.
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