The Leader of the Coalition of Northern Nigerian Youth (CNNY), Mallam Yakubu Muh’d, has attributed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s enduring political strength to decades of carefully nurtured relationships with trusted allies across Nigeria, describing Senator George Akume, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief James Ibori and Senator Abdul’aziz Yari as among the influential leaders whose loyalty and friendship have remained steadfast over the years.
Speaking on Tuesday to ThisNigeria in Kaduna, Muh’d said the President’s relationships with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; and former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, were forged through years of mutual trust, loyalty and shared political experiences.
According to him, these are relationships that have stood the test of time and continue to shape Nigeria’s politics.
He described Senator George Akume as one of the leaders who stood firmly with Tinubu over the years, noting that the confidence and trust between both men ultimately culminated in Akume’s appointment as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Mallam Muh’d also commended Chief James Ibori, saying the former Delta State governor was among the prominent political figures who stood with Tinubu through critical periods in Nigeria’s democratic journey, helping to sustain a network of experienced leaders committed to national stability.
On Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, he said the former Zamfara governor has remained one of the President’s strongest political allies in Northern Nigeria, describing him as a rallying point whose influence has helped consolidate support for the administration across the region.
Speaking extensively on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Yakubu Muh’d recalled that the former Abia State Governor was among the notable political leaders who stood firmly with Tinubu during one of the most challenging periods of Nigeria’s democracy under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He noted that when the Federal Government withheld Lagos State’s local government allocations following the creation of additional Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Kalu publicly aligned with Tinubu’s position in defence of constitutional democracy, fiscal federalism and the rule of law.
According to Muh’d, that defining moment further strengthened the mutual confidence and enduring friendship between the two leaders, a relationship he said has remained strong without betrayal or political convenience.
He further described Senator Kalu as one of President Tinubu’s dependable pillars in the current National Assembly, saying the Abia North lawmaker has consistently provided legislative support for the administration and remains one of the influential voices advancing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mallam Muh’d added that Kalu continues to serve as a rallying point among members of Nigeria’s 1999 political class and remains one of the most influential political leaders from the South-East, whose wide acceptance across the region and strong relationship with the Catholic community have further strengthened support for President Tinubu while promoting national cohesion and unity.
“The President’s relationships with these leaders were not built during election campaigns. They were forged through years of shared convictions, loyalty and mutual respect. Their continued partnership reflects the value of trust in politics,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Mallam Muh’d expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s longstanding relationships with trusted political allies across the country would play a decisive role in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the enduring alliances between the President and respected leaders such as Senator George Akume, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief James Ibori and Senator Abdul’aziz Yari have created a formidable national political network with influence spanning the North-Central, South-East, South-South and North-West.
He argued that with experienced political leaders providing strategic support across the country, President Tinubu is well-positioned to secure an overwhelming mandate if he seeks re-election.
“When you look at the calibre of leaders standing with President Tinubu across the six geopolitical zones, you will understand why I believe he is heading for a landslide victory in 2027. These are relationships built over decades, not political arrangements of convenience. They are founded on trust, loyalty and shared experiences. I am confident Nigerians will renew his mandate with an overwhelming majority,” Yakubu Muh’d stated.
