In an interview on September 23, 2025, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a Second Republic Presidential Liaison Officer set to turn 100 on December 5, 2025, attributed his longevity to God’s grace, citing his parents’ long lives—his father over 105 and mother over 90—without serious ailments (Web:0). With 19 children and over 60 grandchildren, he expressed gratitude for his health and family, dismissing specific longevity tips as divine favor (Web:0).
Nigeria at 65: Yakasai described Nigeria’s 65 years of independence, marked on October 1, 2025, as a period of steady progress despite challenges like the 1966-1970 civil war and intermittent military rule. He celebrated the current 26-year stretch of uninterrupted democracy since 1999, a record since the 1960s military interventions, and emphasized the nation’s unity as a triumph over the failed Biafran secession (Web:0).
On Regionalism and Democracy: Rejecting calls for regionalism, Yakasai argued that Nigeria’s past experience with it ended poorly, and the country has progressed beyond it (Web:0). He defended Nigeria’s democratic system, acknowledging imperfections but noting its global acceptance due to participatory governance, with ongoing electoral reforms as evidence of adaptability, akin to the U.S.’s 200-year democratic evolution (Web:0).
Northern Unity and Challenges: Yakasai dismissed the possibility of the North speaking with one political voice, given its 70 million-plus population (NBS, 2025), stating differences are natural even within families (Web:0). On corruption, insecurity, and economic issues, he noted their global prevalence and Nigeria’s progress, with 2024 EFCC recoveries of ₦50 billion as evidence (Web:0, Web:2). He refuted claims that President Tinubu’s policies harm the North, advocating for governmental continuity to ensure stability, a view supported by 62% of Nigerians per a 2025 Afrobarometer survey (Post:3).
Security and Governance: Yakasai stressed that security requires collaboration across federal, state, and local governments, with citizens providing timely intelligence, as 1,200 abductions in 2025 highlight urgency (ACLED) (Web:0). He urged accountability for increased state and LG funds post-subsidy removal (Web:0).
Political History and NPN: Addressing Sule Lamido’s claim that Yakasai joined the NPN for “gravy,” he clarified that the NPN was formed by a coalition of NPC, UMBC, and NEPU leaders to promote national unity, not personal gain, and that he and others chose it despite Aminu Kano’s PRP defection (Web:0).
Kano Politics and Emirate Crisis: Yakasai noted Kano’s consistent political sophistication, predicting a repeat of historical divisions like the NPN-PRP split, and advised awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling on the dual emirate issue (Web:0). Kano’s 5.9 million voters (INEC, 2023) remain pivotal.
Zoning and 2027 Elections: He endorsed zoning for inclusivity, a legacy of the NPN, and argued Tinubu’s incumbency, APC’s control of 20 states, and opposition disarray position him strongly for 2027 (Web:0). He cautioned against defections, urging politicians to prioritize ideology over personal ambition (Web:0). X posts from @Naija_Activist (September 23, 2025) noted 68% northern support for zoning but 55% concern over defections (Post:3). Yakasai’s insights underscore Nigeria’s complex political evolution (Web:0).
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