Reports making the rounds on Sunday, October 27, have it that top northern leaders are in a dilemma to get Bola Tinubu’s replacement for the 2027 presidential election
Sources hinted that the political leaders are faced with a complex decision as they consider potential candidates for Nigeria’s next president
According to the sources, economic hardship, mounting youth discontent, and a sense of unfulfilled expectations from President Bola Tinubu’s administration are influencing this dilemma. …CONTINUE READING
Concerns linger over the large-scale protests during the #EndBadGovernance movement, which had seen a significant surge in youth-led demonstrations in the region, sparking fears among Northern leaders of a possible repeat scenario.
Although the 2027 general election remained a few years away, Sunday Tribune gathered that Northern elders are proactively scouting for credible candidates to potentially challenge the current leadership. “Some prominent politicians across the North-West have been meeting and discussing who might be capable of giving President Tinubu a formidable contest in the presidential race,” an anonymous source shared with Sunday Tribune.
Several aides to Northern governors also confirmed these discussions, noting that the 2027 election is a source of concern for many top Northern politicians, including their principals. These politicians are reportedly weighing the risks of opposing President Tinubu after their involvement in his 2023 victory.
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Another challenge for Northern leaders is selecting a candidate who would be broadly accepted in the North while accounting for likely opposition tactics, such as emphasizing zoning and Southern interests.
“They [Northern leaders] believe the best approach is to back a prominent Southern politician,” a source explained, “yet they worry about finding someone from the South who could match President Tinubu in personality and financial strength.”
Though no formal decisions have been made, sources say a shortlist of candidates is emerging, including potential running mates.
“A credible person from the North-West is likely to be chosen as the running mate,” one source noted, revealing that Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, and Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal are among the considered names.
“For now, Northern politicians are still in search of a reputable candidate for 2027. Many, however, are unlikely to support the current administration again,” the source concluded, indicating that political maneuvering in the North is far from settled.
In addition to concerns over the current administration’s effectiveness, Northern leaders are reportedly wary of the potential backlash from their constituents if they continue supporting President Tinubu in 2027.
With youth unemployment, inflation, and insecurity affecting the Northern region disproportionately, leaders feared that endorsing an unchanged leadership could alienate the younger generation.
