Former spokesman and ex-Director-General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has argued against the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar becoming president in 2027. Speaking in Lagos, Okupe stated that while Atiku is highly qualified, geopolitical considerations make it unjust for the presidency to return to the North after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s term.
Okupe emphasized the need for the South to complete its eight-year tenure, referencing an informal agreement to alternate power between the North and South. He recalled the backlash against Atiku’s candidacy in 2023, citing public resistance to another northern Muslim presidency after Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year rule. “Geopolitics remains a crucial factor, and the South should retain the presidency for another term to maintain balance and fairness,” he said.
Addressing the potential candidacy of Peter Obi in 2027, Okupe acknowledged Obi’s qualifications and ambition but noted the difficulty of unseating an incumbent president like Tinubu. He praised Tinubu’s performance, describing him as focused and purpose-driven, while cautioning that Obi’s challenge would be a tough uphill battle.
On alliances aimed at opposing Tinubu in 2027, Okupe expressed scepticism. He noted that political coalitions in Nigeria often fail due to selfishness and a lack of genuine concessions among participants. He contrasted past alliances, such as the one that brought Buhari to power in 2015, where Tinubu played a pivotal role by making significant sacrifices for unity and success.
