Development: APC Youths Counter Kwankwaso’s Claims, Defends Tinubu

The Concerned Northern APC Youth Forum has faulted recent comments by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of neglecting Northern Nigeria in its infrastructure development plans.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Suleiman Liba, the forum described Kwankwaso’s remarks as “misleading and divisive,” asserting that the North has, in fact, received a significant share of the administration’s ongoing infrastructure projects.

“The claims by Senator Kwankwaso do not reflect the reality on the ground,” Liba said, noting that “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu has ensured equitable infrastructure development across all regions, with the North receiving substantial attention.”

Citing data from the Federal Ministry of Works, the group stated that 52 per cent of the total length of legacy road projects initiated by the current administration is located in the North. Some of the major projects highlighted include: The 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, with 756km passing through Northern states such as Kebbi and Sokoto; The 439km Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road, currently undergoing redesign for enhanced durability; 275km Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna road; 350km Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway; 250km Benue to 9th Mile corridor

Liba further noted that the Tinubu administration has not only initiated new projects but has also sustained key initiatives inherited from past governments. These include the $158.15 million Agriculture Value Chain programme across nine Northern states, the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Bauchi and Gombe, and the Kano River irrigation project.

On energy and transport infrastructure, the group pointed to the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, the Gwagwalada Power Plant, and the Kaduna-Kano and Kano-Maradi rail projects as evidence of the administration’s strategic investment in the North.

The statement also commended the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for prioritizing the north in his early project assessments, noting a recent visit to Lokoja, Kogi State, as a reflection of the government’s hands-on approach.

“It is unfortunate that these concrete efforts are being misrepresented. We urge Senator Kwankwaso to cross-check his claims and avoid comments that could polarize the country,” Liba added.

The group called on northern youths and Nigerians at large to support President Tinubu’s developmental vision and reject what it described as “divisive narratives.”

“The records speak for themselves. This administration is delivering on its promises. Let us come together in unity to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,” the statement concluded.