Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a seasoned Nigerian political figure, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu currently holds a significant advantage in the prospective 2027 presidential election. In a recent interview, Yakasai, a prominent member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, a respected northern Nigerian socio-political organization, dismissed speculations about the North coalescing around a specific candidate to challenge Tinubu in the next election cycle. He clarified that any purported stance attributed to the Arewa Consultative Forum or the Northern Elders Forum regarding the 2027 election represents individual opinions rather than a collective decision. Yakasai emphasized that the North, as a region, has yet to formally convene and adopt a unified position on the matter, urging observers to await such a development before drawing conclusions.
Yakasai’s assessment of the current political landscape highlights Tinubu’s formidable position. He pointed to the President’s control of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s dominance in a majority of states, and the surprising support Tinubu enjoys from governors belonging to opposition parties. This broad base of support, Yakasai argued, gives Tinubu a distinct advantage over any potential challenger. He posed a rhetorical question, highlighting the difficulty any candidate would face in matching Tinubu’s political strength and resources. Yakasai further noted that Tinubu’s actions thus far have not antagonized the North, a crucial voting bloc in Nigerian politics. He emphasized that the North alone cannot determine the presidency and suggested that Tinubu’s current trajectory appears unimpeded.
Adding to Tinubu’s favorable position, according to Yakasai, is the internal strife plaguing major opposition parties. These internal divisions, he believes, further weaken the opposition’s ability to mount a serious challenge against the incumbent. While declining to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the Tinubu administration’s performance in its first two years, Yakasai offered some general advice to Nigerian politicians. He urged them to prioritize the interests of the masses and adopt an ideological approach to politics, focusing on national development rather than personal gain. Yakasai cautioned against the divisive politics of ethnicity and religion, emphasizing that such practices have hindered Nigeria’s progress for too long.
Yakasai’s assertion that Tinubu holds a significant advantage in the 2027 presidential race stems from several key observations. The President’s control over the ruling APC, coupled with the support he receives from governors across party lines, provides him with a robust political machinery. This wide network of support creates a significant hurdle for any potential challenger seeking to amass the resources and political clout necessary to compete effectively. The ongoing internal conflicts within major opposition parties further diminish the likelihood of a strong, unified challenge to Tinubu’s incumbency. This fragmentation of the opposition allows Tinubu to consolidate his position and focus on governing, rather than diverting resources to fend off a cohesive opposition.
Furthermore, Yakasai’s emphasis on the North’s yet-to-be-determined stance on the 2027 election suggests that Tinubu has not alienated this important constituency. While the North’s support is not solely determinative of the presidency, it remains a significant factor in Nigerian electoral politics. Tinubu’s apparent ability to maintain a positive relationship with the North, as perceived by Yakasai, further strengthens his position. The absence of a clear, formidable challenger from the North, coupled with the internal divisions within the opposition parties, contributes to Tinubu’s seemingly unchallenged path towards the 2027 election.
Finally, Yakasai’s advice to Nigerian politicians underscores the importance of prioritizing national interest over personal ambition. His call for an ideological approach to politics, focused on national development, resonates with the need for a more strategic and less opportunistic political landscape. The emphasis on eschewing the divisive politics of ethnicity and religion highlights the need for a more unified and inclusive political discourse. While Yakasai refrained from a detailed assessment of the Tinubu administration’s performance, his overall perspective suggests a belief in the current political stability and Tinubu’s advantageous position as the incumbent, barring any unforeseen dramatic shifts in the political climate. Yakasai’s insights, grounded in his long experience in Nigerian politics, offer a valuable perspective on the current political dynamics and the potential trajectory of the 2027 presidential election.
