The former spokesperson and ex-Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has outlined why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is unlikely to become Nigeria’s president in 2027. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Okupe argued that it is geopolitically appropriate for the South to produce the next president.
He emphasized that while Atiku, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, is highly qualified, the geopolitical balance requires the South to complete its eight-year cycle, similar to the North’s prior tenure.
“Atiku’s failure in 2023 wasn’t due to his competence but because the idea of a northern Muslim succeeding another northern Muslim wasn’t acceptable to many Nigerians,” Okupe said.
He added, “Atiku has the right to contest in 2027, but geopolitics remains a critical factor. A southern president would have served just four years, and fairness dictates they complete an eight-year term before power can return to the North.”
On Peter Obi and the 2027 Election
Okupe also addressed the potential candidacy of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, stating that while Obi is young, dynamic, and ambitious, unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 would be challenging.
“Obi can contest, but geopolitics is crucial in a nation that hasn’t achieved full unity. Tinubu, also a southerner, is doing well for the country, and that makes it an uphill task for anyone to dislodge him,” Okupe remarked.
Alliances Against Tinubu Unlikely to Succeed
Discussing possible alliances among opposition parties to challenge Tinubu in 2027, Okupe expressed skepticism, citing a lack of maturity and willingness to make concessions among political leaders.
“I’ve been in politics for over 40 years and participated in numerous alliances. The necessary maturity and willingness to sacrifice individual interests for collective goals are still lacking. Most alliances end in futility,” Okupe said.
He referenced the successful alliance that brought former President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015, crediting Tinubu for making significant concessions to ensure its success. “Tinubu went beyond selfishness and naivety, conceding much to make the alliance work. Such leadership is rare,” he said.
Tinubu’s Performance So Far
Okupe praised Tinubu’s performance since assuming office, describing him as a purposeful leader with a clear vision for Nigeria. He compared Tinubu’s leadership style to that of Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed Singapore into a developed nation over three decades.
“Nigeria is fortunate to have Tinubu as president. He has the zeal and clarity of mind to lead the country forward. It’s time we prioritize development over divisive politics,” Okupe concluded.
He called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that political distractions could hinder the country’s progress.
