As the anti-Tinubu coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, gains traction across Northern Nigeria, prominent elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai has stressed that the North alone cannot determine who becomes president in 2027.
This statement follows recent declarations by the League of Northern Democrats, who emphasized that their goal is not to seize power but to help address the country’s pressing issues.
Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, had recently argued that the North would soon shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Baba-Ahmed highlighted the importance of the North’s support in securing the presidency, stating, “No politician can win the Nigerian presidency without support from the Northern region.”
However, Yakassai, a former Liaison Officer to the late President Shehu Shagari and founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), countered this view. He emphasized that the outcome of the presidential election cannot be determined by either the North or South alone.
In his remarks, Yakassai pointed out that, “The presidential election is a national affair. Neither the North nor the South can decide who becomes president independently. Both regions must unite and present a strong candidate to achieve victory.”
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Yakassai also discussed the importance of a candidate’s appeal, suggesting that beyond popularity, a successful candidate must have substantial financial backing. “Elections in Nigeria now require significant financial resources, and unfortunately, wealthy individuals are often reluctant to back a candidate. One must have enough financial independence to run a campaign and not rely solely on others,” he explained.
Reiterating his earlier stance, Yakassai acknowledged the pivotal role the North plays in Nigeria’s political future but reiterated that no single region can solely dictate the outcome. “The North’s influence is undeniable due to its large population, but other factors, such as acceptability and support from various stakeholders, will ultimately determine the success of a presidential candidate.”
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Yakassai’s comments come amidst growing opposition to the current administration, signaling that the 2027 presidential race will be shaped by a broader coalition of interests across the country.
