, recently asserted that no contender currently stands a better chance than President Bola Tinubu in defeating him at the polls.){kind=link}
As the 2027 general elections draw near, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), recently asserted that no contender currently stands a better chance than President Bola Tinubu in defeating him at the polls.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Yakasai said he was unaware of any collective decision by northern groups endorsing a candidate from the region for the upcoming presidency.
He clarified, “There has been no official statement from the Arewa Consultative Forum or Northern Elders Forum regarding the 2027 presidential race. What is often presented as the group’s position are merely individual opinions because the north has not yet reached a consensus.”
He advised Nigerians to wait for a formal meeting where northern leaders will declare their collective position. Yakasai stressed Tinubu’s stronghold in the political arena, noting, “Tinubu is the sitting president, supported by his ministers and governors. At the moment, no one else possesses the necessary strength or stamina to outmatch him.”
He further remarked that some governors from opposition parties also continue to back Tinubu, concluding that for now, the odds are stacked in the president’s favor.
“There is nothing evident that could stop his victory. Also, the north alone cannot decide the presidency.”
Obidient Movement Respects Yakasai but Disagrees on Tinubu’s Electability
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, coordinator of the Obidient Movement, while paying respect to Yakasai’s experience and wisdom, expressed disagreement with his optimistic view on Tinubu’s chances for re-election. He highlighted that younger Nigerians with fresh ideas are better prepared to lead the nation.
Dr. Tanko remarked, “We respect our elders, but we believe that there are younger leaders capable of steering Nigeria towards growth much more effectively than President Tinubu. The widespread poverty, hunger, and youth unemployment—particularly in the north—underscore the failures of this administration.”
He pointed out that many factories and small businesses have shut down under Tinubu’s leadership, worsening the economic crisis. “Nepotism has escalated beyond expectations, and the economy is struggling. We appeal to Yakasai to reconsider his stance and support the rise of new leadership that can restore Nigeria’s pride on the global stage.”
PDP Foresees Historic Defeat for Tinubu in 2027
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) projected a significant defeat for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, citing an expanding alliance of Nigerians eager for change.
Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, dismissed Yakasai’s opinion as outdated, criticizing the current administration for lacking the vision and ability to govern effectively.
Osadolor stated, “The evidence on the ground indicates that Tinubu will serve only one term and that his loss will be decisive. This coalition is about Nigeria’s future and cannot be derailed by an administration that has failed to deliver.”
While acknowledging Yakasai’s respected status, Osadolor added, “Even the most respected leaders can sometimes have views that do not align with current realities. If Yakasai made such comments, they likely reflect an outdated perspective.”