As the anti-Tinubu coalition gains momentum in the North, elder statesman Tanko Yakassai has emphasized that the North alone cannot determine who emerges as president in 2027. This statement comes after Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, declared that the North’s support is crucial for any presidential aspirant’s success.
Yakassai stressed that a presidential election is a national affair, requiring a formidable candidate with both popularity and financial clout. While the North plays a critical role due to its numbers, other factors such as acceptability and stakeholder support are equally important.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also weighed in, stating that no one can win the presidency based solely on regional voting. ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Mohammed Baba, emphasized that the outcome depends on voters’ decisions, free from interference and manipulation.
Meanwhile, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) clarified that its mission is not to seize power but to fix the country. LND’s convener, Umar Ardo, stated that their goal is national transformation, and they’re working towards a coalition that can challenge and displace the current administration to achieve this.
Atiku Abubakar’s aide maintained that the coalition remains on course, working from the bottom up to create momentum before bringing governors on board. Despite some stakeholders believing the coalition might have hit a snag, the aide assured that defections won’t upset their plan.
