Dr. Doyin Okupe, former spokesperson and Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, recently made a compelling case for the next Nigerian president to come from the southern region in 2027. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, Okupe insisted that Atiku would not be President in 2027 because of geopolitical necessity of allowing the South to complete its eight-year term, mirroring the North's tenure before President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Okupe's assertion stems from the belief that a balanced rotation of power between the North and South is critical for Nigeria's unity and political stability. He acknowledged the qualifications of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, but argued that Atiku's candidacy in 2027 would face similar geopolitical challenges as it did in 2023. The perception that a northern Muslim cannot succeed another northern Muslim after eight years was a significant factor in Atiku’s 2023 defeat, Okupe noted.
In his discussion, Okupe highlighted that the underlying issue with Atiku's potential 2027 candidacy is not his age or qualifications but rather the geopolitical implications. He stressed that the informal agreement, which dictates that after a Northerner's eight-year term, a Southerner should serve, remains vital. This agreement, though not enshrined in the constitution, is widely accepted and important for maintaining regional balance.
Okupe also mentioned Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, as a viable candidate for the 2027 elections. While recognizing Obi's capabilities and ambition, Okupe admitted that it would be challenging for Obi to unseat an incumbent Southern president like Tinubu. He praised Tinubu's current performance and expressed skepticism about the likelihood of any political coalition succeeding against him.
Regarding potential alliances to unseat Tinubu in 2027, Okupe was pessimistic. He cited his extensive political experience, stating that Nigerian political actors lack the maturity to form effective, enduring alliances. He argued that selfish interests and a lack of willingness to make necessary concessions typically lead to the failure of such coalitions.
Okupe referenced the successful alliance that brought ex-President Buhari to power in 2015, led by Tinubu. He noted that Tinubu's strategic concessions were crucial to that alliance's success. In contrast, Okupe doubted that current opposition leaders like Atiku, Obi, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso could replicate such unity and strategic compromise.
Okupe's argument highlights the importance of geopolitical balance in Nigeria's political landscape. He urges for the South to complete its term before considering a return to Northern leadership, emphasizing that such an approach would promote unity and stability. His remarks also underscore the challenges facing political alliances in Nigeria, stressing the need for maturity and strategic concessions to achieve meaningful change.
Okupe's insights provide a nuanced perspective on the future of Nigerian politics, calling for a thoughtful consideration of regional balance and strategic alliances as the country prepares for the 2027 elections.
...so, why ask why?
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