Elder statesman and founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has stirred political debate after declaring that, at present, no candidate stands a better chance than President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Yakasai said he was unaware of any official decision by northern leaders to back a particular candidate for the next presidential race.
“As far as I know, there has been no formal position by the Arewa Consultative Forum or any northern body regarding the 2027 elections,” he stated.
“Most of what is being circulated as ‘northern support’ are individual opinions, not collective resolutions.”
Yakasai emphasized that President Tinubu currently enjoys strong backing from key political figures, including ministers, governors, and even some opposition leaders. He pointed to the ruling APC’s control over a majority of states and ongoing internal conflicts within opposition parties as significant advantages for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“We should wait and see if the situation changes. But as it stands, the odds favor Tinubu,” he said.
“He hasn’t acted against the North, and in any case, the North alone cannot determine who becomes president.”
While refraining from a full assessment of Tinubu’s performance, Yakasai urged Nigerian politicians to prioritize national interest over ethnic or personal ambitions. He also stressed the need for ideological politics that serves the masses.
Obidients to Yakasai: We Respect You, But Tinubu Is Not the Future
The Obidient Movement, aligned with Labour Party’s Peter Obi, responded to Yakasai’s remarks with respect but strong disagreement.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the movement, said they recognize Yakasai’s experience and contributions but believe he’s misjudging the current national sentiment.
“With all due respect to our elder and father, we disagree with his endorsement of Tinubu,” Tanko said.
“There are competent, younger Nigerians ready to fix what Tinubu’s administration has broken.”
Tanko highlighted widespread poverty, hunger, and rising unemployment, particularly in northern Nigeria, as direct consequences of Tinubu’s policies.
“The suffering across the country is unprecedented,” he added.
“Factories have shut down, businesses are collapsing, and nepotism is at an all-time high. We urge Yakasai to reconsider his position and support fresh leadership for the sake of future generations.”
PDP: Tinubu Will Suffer a Historic Loss in 2027
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also dismissed Yakasai’s view, predicting a landslide defeat for President Tinubu in 2027.
Mr. Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, said Yakasai’s statement reflects “outdated thinking” and fails to capture the growing discontent among Nigerians.
“President Tinubu will be a one-term president, and the margin of his loss will be historic,” Osadolor said.
“The coalition forming against this government is broad, determined, and focused on saving Nigeria.”
He acknowledged Yakasai’s role as a respected elder but noted that even the most seasoned voices can sometimes lose touch with present-day realities.
“This struggle is about the soul of Nigeria. We cannot allow leadership without vision or competence to continue steering this country into decline,” he said.
