Keypoints

• North alone can’t determine Nigeria’s president in 2027.

• Anti-Tinubu coalition seeks mass support, not just elites.

• Nigeria’s presidency requires broad regional collaboration.

Veteran politician and elder statesman Tanko Yakassai has cautioned that no single region can determine the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

In an interview, Yakassai emphasized that both the North and South must unite behind a formidable candidate with national appeal and substantial financial resources.

“The North alone cannot decide who becomes president. It requires a strong alliance and a credible, well-funded candidate,” he said.

His remarks follow growing momentum behind an anti-Tinubu coalition, largely driven by Northern political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai.

Despite strong support in the North, Yakassai maintains that electoral victory will require cross-regional collaboration and broad-based popularity.

ACF distances itself from North-centric narrative on 2027 presidency

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also clarified its stance, stating it does not control political outcomes and that regional support alone will not win the presidency.

ACF’s spokesperson, Prof. Tukur Mohammed Baba, noted that Nigeria’s constitution mandates a pan-regional spread for electoral success.

“No one can become president solely through regional voting,” he stated.

While some Northern figures, such as Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, have hinted at the region determining its political path, ACF sees these as personal views rather than institutional declarations.

The forum emphasized that voters—not elites or regions—will ultimately shape the outcome of the 2027 election.

Coalition movement focuses on fixing Nigeria, not just power

The League of Northern Democrats (LND), another group supporting the anti-Tinubu coalition, said its goal is to rebuild Nigeria—not just gain political power.

LND convener Umar Ardo stressed the coalition’s broader mission during an appearance on Arise TV, noting that the group seeks national transformation through collective reform.

Meanwhile, Atiku’s aide confirmed the coalition remains on track and is focused on mass mobilization rather than top-level political endorsements.

“They’re starting from the bottom to create momentum. Governors are not the building blocks,” the aide explained.

Despite defections in the South-South and South-East, the coalition’s organizers believe their grassroots approach will eventually bring elite support.