Policy strategist Baba Yusuf has called for Northern Nigeria to undergo political and developmental reforms before seeking another presidential term, arguing that regional progress depends on addressing internal challenges rather than producing a president from the North.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Arise News on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Yusuf said the region should use the years leading to 2031 to reassess its leadership selection process and develop a long-term vision for growth.
“The North needs a reawakening by 2031. Without it, even a decade or more under a Northern president won’t bring real progress,” he said.
Yusuf argued that electing another Northern president alone would not resolve issues such as poverty, insecurity, weak governance and underdevelopment. He urged leaders and citizens to rethink political priorities and improve how leaders are chosen.
He also emphasized the role of state governors in driving development, saying progress cannot depend solely on the federal government or the president. While acknowledging the importance of power rotation, Yusuf maintained that the North must first address its internal shortcomings to achieve meaningful and lasting development.
