Okupe
Okupe Advocates for Southern Presidency in 2027, Predicts Challenges for Alliances Against Tinubu
Former spokesman and Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has called for the presidency to remain in the south in 2027.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, Okupe emphasized the importance of geopolitical balance, stating it would be unfair for the north to produce the next president immediately after the south’s current tenure.
While acknowledging Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s qualifications, Okupe argued that geopolitical considerations would likely hinder Atiku’s chances in 2027, as the south should be allowed to complete its eight-year cycle following President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
“Atiku failed in 2023, not because he was unqualified, but due to the sentiment that a northern Muslim should not succeed another northern Muslim after eight years,” Okupe explained. He added, “The north cannot now terminate the south’s tenure in 2027—it’s not going to work.”
Okupe suggested that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also had a chance to contest in 2027 as a southerner.
However, he admitted it would be a daunting task to unseat Tinubu, especially if the president continues to perform well.
Discussing potential political alliances against Tinubu, Okupe expressed skepticism, stating that such coalitions would likely fail due to a lack of concessions and political maturity among key opposition leaders.
He contrasted this with the successful alliance that brought former President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015, attributing its success to Tinubu’s willingness to make necessary sacrifices.
Okupe praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a leader with purpose, zeal, and clarity.
He likened Nigeria’s potential transformation under Tinubu to Singapore’s rise under Lee Kuan Yew, urging Nigerians to prioritize progress over divisive politics.
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