Prominent APC chieftain, Alwan Aziri, has made headlines with a bold statement declaring that the North will not support any presidential candidate who promotes or allows the importation of alcohol into the region. His comment comes amid rising religious and cultural concerns over the influence of Western lifestyles on predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria.
Speaking at a political gathering in Kano, Aziri emphasized that northern voters remain deeply rooted in values that align with Islamic teachings, and any candidate or policy that threatens that will be firmly rejected at the polls. “We will not vote for a president that will import alcohol into the North,” Aziri said, drawing loud applause from conservative attendees.
Aziri’s remarks are believed to be in response to ongoing debates about trade liberalization and a rumored proposal to lift restrictions on alcohol distribution in all states. Northern states governed under Sharia law currently ban the sale and consumption of alcohol, and any move to change that is met with strong resistance.
The APC chieftain stressed that political leaders must be sensitive to cultural and religious dynamics when forming national policies. “Let no one deceive you in the name of modern development. Our faith is not negotiable,” he declared.
His statement has triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians applauding his stance as a defense of cultural identity, while others criticize it as divisive and inconsistent with the responsibilities of a secular state.
Political analysts say Aziri’s comments signal a broader tension within national politics, especially as candidates begin courting regional support ahead of the next general elections. With the North holding a significant portion of Nigeria’s voting population, cultural alignment remains a powerful political tool.
While no presidential aspirant has openly proposed importing alcohol to the North, the mere mention of such a policy has ignited concerns among religious leaders and traditional rulers. Some clerics have even warned that supporting liberal agendas may spark protests or voter apathy in northern states.
Alwan Aziri urged the APC and other parties to take note of this sentiment, warning that any flag bearer who ignores northern values risks losing a crucial voting bloc. “We will not compromise on this. The North is watching, and we will stand for leaders who respect our way of life,” he concluded.
As the political climate heats up, Aziri’s comments are expected to shape party manifestos, candidate selections, and campaign messaging, especially in states where faith plays a central role in governance and daily life.
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