Northern Votes Are Not Free: A Call For Unity, Demands, And Accountability Ahead Of 2027 -By Yasir Shehu Adam

As Nigeria moves slowly toward the 2027 general elections, one truth must be made clear—the North cannot continue to give its votes without clear benefits, commitments, and results. For too long, promises have been made and broken. Projects have been announced and abandoned. Hope has been raised, only to be crushed.

This time must be different.

This is a direct call to our traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, pastors, youth leaders, women groups, and all Northern stakeholders:

Let us stand together. Let us speak with one voice. Let us demand results—not empty words.

Whether the presidential candidate comes from the North or the South, our support must be based on a written agreement—clear, measurable, and people-focused.

THE 14 NON-NEGOTIABLE DEMANDS FOR NORTHERN SUPPORT

Any candidate seeking Northern votes must publicly commit to the following:

– Immediate completion and operation of the Mambila Hydropower Project to end electricity shortages and boost industries.

– Completion of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline to support economic growth and energy supply.

– Completion of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano–Maiduguri dual carriage road to improve safety, trade, and movement.

– Dualization of Keffi–Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi and Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi roads to reduce accidents and support regional connectivity.

– Completion of Kano–Kaduna standard gauge rail line, with future connection to Lagos–Ibadan rail for national integration.

– Restoration of Lake Chad to revive agriculture, fishing, and livelihoods in the Northeast.

– Full dredging of the River Niger and activation of Baro Port to unlock inland trade and reduce pressure on seaports.

– Construction of the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto–Kebbi dual carriage road to strengthen economic links in the Northwest.

– Immediate commencement of Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto–Kebbi railway project for faster and cheaper transportation.

– Revival and full completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company to drive industrialization and job creation.

– Completion of Gombe–Yola road to connect communities and boost commerce.

– A decisive and transparent strategy to end insecurity across the North and Nigeria at large.

– Clear policy on foreign military presence, ensuring Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interest are protected.

– End to excessive harassment at land borders by customs officials, while promoting legal trade and establishing more dry ports to grow the Northern economy.

TIME FOR A NEW POLITICAL CULTURE

The North has the numbers. The North has the strength.

But without unity and direction, those numbers mean nothing.

Our Emirs, Chiefs, Imams, Pastors, and Community Leaders must rise above politics and stand for the people. This is not about party. This is not about tribe. This is about development, dignity, and survival.

Let every candidate sign an agreement.

Let every promise be documented.

Let every commitment be tracked.

A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE

To the youths, students, traders, farmers, and civil servants across the North:

Your vote is your power. Do not give it away cheaply.

Ask questions. Demand answers. Hold leaders accountable.

FINAL WORD

This is not a threat. It is a wake-up call.

If the North must move forward, then our votes must work for us.

No more blind loyalty. No more empty promises.

2027 must be about results.

Let this message reach every corner of the North.

Let it enter every palace, every mosque, every church, and every home.

The time to act is now.

Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman) Journalist and Writer from Bauchi