Northeast APC stakeholders urge Shettima and Ribadu to secure the Humanitarian Affairs ministry for Haruna Sardauna, citing youth representation imbalance

Northeast APC stakeholders have called on Vice President Kashim Shettima and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to ensure the vacant post of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management is reserved for their region.

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The appeal came on Monday when members of the APC Youth Stakeholders Forum, led by Executive Secretary Abdulkareem Jimeta, submitted their demand at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

The group pressed for Haruna Sardauna, a former coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Organisation, to replace Nentawe Yilwatda, who vacated the portfolio after emerging APC National Chairman.

Jimeta emphasized that Northeast youths have been sidelined in federal appointments. He noted that Kano State alone boasts 27 youth appointees, while all six states of the Northeast—Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe—collectively have just eight.

“The Northwest enjoys about 71% of presidential youth appointments in the North. The North-Central has 21%. Sadly, the Northeast region benefits only 8%,” he lamented.

The stakeholders argued that appointing Sardauna would correct this imbalance, reward his long-standing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, and boost APC’s grassroots strength ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sardauna has been Deputy National Chairman of the Tinubu Youth Ambassadors since 2016 and now serves as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Youth Ambassadors.

Known for his grassroots mobilization and humanitarian focus, he has been endorsed by several Arewa youth groups, alongside Hon. Nasir Ja’oji from the Northwest.

Supporters also highlighted the Northeast’s humanitarian challenges from years of insurgency. They stressed that Sardauna, as a native of the region, understands the plight of IDPs, widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities.

“Ultimately, the appointment of Haruna Sardauna as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management would be a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian challenges in the Northeast region and promoting recovery and development,” Jimeta concluded.

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With a background in public administration and as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administration and Governance, Sardauna is seen by his supporters as well-positioned to lead impactful humanitarian policies.