ABUJA — As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has declared that, as of now, no candidate appears capable of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a presidential contest.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja yesterday, the elder statesman said he was unaware of any official forum where the North had agreed to support a northern candidate for the 2027 election.
“I haven’t heard of any proposition regarding the 2027 presidential election from the Arewa Consultative Forum. What is often presented as the position of the ACF or the Northern Elders Forum is, in reality, just individual opinions. The North has not taken a unified stand on this matter,” Yakasai stated.
He emphasized that, at present, Tinubu holds a significant advantage.
“In Nigeria today, Bola Tinubu is the sitting president. He has ministers and governors supporting him. Who else currently possesses the stamina, political structure, and influence to challenge him successfully?” he queried.
According to Yakasai, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) controls a majority of the states, and some governors from opposition parties still align with the President.
“Unless there’s a drastic change in the political landscape, the odds favour Tinubu. I haven’t seen any significant obstacle to his re-election. Furthermore, in my view, he hasn’t done anything against the North. And let’s be clear — the North alone cannot decide who becomes Nigeria’s president,” he added.
Obidients Respond: “We Respect Yakasai, But Disagree”
Reacting, the Obidient Movement disagreed with Yakasai’s position. Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said while they respect the elder statesman’s wisdom, they believe his view does not reflect current realities.
“With all due respect to our elder, father, and grandfather, we disagree with him on the prospects of President Tinubu’s re-election,” Tanko said.
“There are younger, visionary Nigerians who are well-equipped to lead the nation better. The current administration has presided over unprecedented levels of poverty, hunger, and unemployment, particularly in the North.”
Tanko accused the administration’s policies of shutting down small businesses and factories, contributing to worsening hardship.
“Nepotism has reached dangerous levels, and our economy is in disarray. We urge Yakasai to reconsider his position and support the emergence of a younger, better-prepared leader who can reposition Nigeria globally,” he added.
Tinubu’s Defeat Will Be Historic — PDP
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed Yakasai’s remarks and predicted a resounding defeat for Tinubu in 2027.
PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Mr. Timothy Osadolor, said Nigerians are mobilizing for change, and the momentum is against the current administration.
“The evidence on the ground suggests that President Tinubu will not only be a one-term president but will lose by a historic margin,” Osadolor stated.
He described Yakasai’s comment as based on “outdated perspectives,” saying the APC-led administration lacks the competence and vision needed to govern Nigeria effectively.
“This growing coalition is about reclaiming Nigeria’s future. No administration that has inflicted so much pain on the people can expect their mandate to be renewed,” he said.
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