In a fresh political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, a northern support group previously aligned with President Bola Tinubu has formally withdrawn its support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration and declared its backing for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The group, formerly known as the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum, announced its shift in allegiance alongside an immediate rebranding to Arewa Youth For Atiku (AYA).

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According to a press statement issued on November 13, 2026, and signed by Adamu Jikan Manu on behalf of the movement, the transition reflects a deliberate effort to chart a new political course. The statement noted that adopting the new identity is designed to create a wider platform for youth mobilization, civic awareness, and grassroots outreach across Northern Nigeria.

As part of its realignment, the group scheduled its official defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and formal endorsement ceremony for Saturday, November 14, at the ADC North-East Strategic Office in Azare, Bauchi State. The event was spearheaded by the group’s Convener, Hon. Auwal Ibrahim Sansani, CNA.

In rallying support for the Azare declaration, the leadership extended an open invitation to a broad coalition of stakeholders—including traditional and religious leaders, women and youth organizations, student unions, market associations, and professionals.

Explaining the rationale behind the breakaway, the group stated that the country urgently requires accountable leadership, stronger national unity, effective governance, and deeper citizen participation in the democratic process.

The newly minted Arewa Youth For Atiku urged Nigerians who share its vision for peaceful democratic engagement to join its grassroots campaign ahead of the 2027 polls, wrapping up its declaration with a rallying cry: “Join the Atiku Train. Vote Atiku, Save Nigeria.”