Who else currently has the political strength and support to successfully challenge President Tinubu? I haven’t seen any significant factor that would hinder his chances of re-election.
Elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai has stated that, as things stand, no one appears to have a stronger chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, Yakasai dismissed claims that the North had endorsed a specific candidate. As a prominent member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), he said he was unaware of any formal decision made by the North in this regard.
“I haven’t heard of any proposal or endorsement from the Arewa Consultative Forum concerning the 2027 presidential election,” he said. “What is often presented as the position of the ACF or Northern Elders Forum is, in fact, just the opinion of individuals. The North as a whole has not reached any consensus.”
He urged Nigerians to wait until the northern leadership meets and takes an official stance.
“For now, Bola Tinubu is the president. He has the backing of his ministers and several governors,” Yakasai added. “Who else currently has the political strength and support to successfully challenge him?”
Yakasai noted that, beyond the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) controlling most states, some opposition governors also support President Tinubu. He believes that unless there is a major shift, the odds remain in Tinubu’s favor.
“I haven’t seen any significant factor that would hinder his chances of re-election. In my view, he hasn’t acted against the interests of the North, and it’s important to remember that the North alone cannot decide who becomes president,” he said.
He also observed that internal crises within major opposition parties have further improved Tinubu’s prospects for 2027.
When asked to assess the Tinubu administration’s performance over the past two years, Yakasai declined to offer a verdict, saying it was too early. However, he called on Nigerian politicians to prioritize the welfare of the masses.
“Politics should be driven by ideology and clear programmes, not just personal ambition. Leaders should envision the Nigeria they want to build, rather than simply aiming to become ministers, governors, or the president,” he said.
“If they attain these positions without delivering meaningful progress, the nation gains nothing. We must move away from politics rooted in ethnicity and religion. That mindset has hindered our development for too long.”
On a personal note, Yakasai, who turns 100 in December, attributed his longevity to divine grace. He revealed that his father lived to 107 and his mother nearly reached 100, suggesting genetics may have played a role.
“My children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren now number over 80—and the family keeps growing. I thank God for that,” he said.