Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide, has stated that the presidency is unlikely to return to the northern part of Nigeria in 2027. Speaking on the ‘Prime Time’ program on Arise Television on Monday, Okupe referred to historical precedents, particularly the election of Olusegun Obasanjo, to support his assertion. He pointed out that there was an “unwritten national consensus” in 1999 to elect a southern leader, particularly from the southwest, to address the political unrest following the annulment of the 1993 election and the tragic death of MKO Abiola.
According to Okupe, sectionalism remains one of the primary reasons for Nigeria’s stagnation. He emphasized that in the past, political leaders prioritized the nation’s collective interest over regional or sectional concerns. “Those who have historically controlled the affairs of this nation have been more focused on national interests than sectional ones,” Okupe said.
He further criticized the lack of a national elite system, arguing that this failure to build a cohesive group of younger leaders has contributed significantly to the country’s stagnation. “Our inability to develop a national elite class is one of the key factors behind Nigeria’s ongoing stagnation,” Okupe added. “We pull in different directions, which has hindered progress.”
Addressing the 2027 election, Okupe confidently asserted that power would not shift back to the north at that time. “In 2027, power cannot return to the north,” he stated, adding that this is how the political system has been structured. He pointed out that the country has managed its politics in a way that has maintained unity, even if economic progress has been limited. He cited the example of Obasanjo’s presidency, where the “unwritten consensus” led to the election of a southwestern candidate, with the 1999 race ultimately being between Obasanjo and Olu Falae.
Okupe further clarified that while he does not necessarily advocate for Bola Tinubu to become president in 2027, he believes the presidency will not be handed back to a northern candidate. “It’s not going to be a northerner,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, Okupe lamented that past leaders failed to cultivate a younger generation of leaders who could effectively continue the work of nation-building. He criticized the political elite for managing the country through a system of political balancing for 25 years without fostering the development of a younger elite class to take over in the future. “Unfortunately, they have not been able to raise a younger elite group that can take over from them,” Okupe said, expressing regret over this missed opportunity for long-term political renewal.
