Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, declared on Sunday, May 18, 2025, that no candidate currently has a better chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Yakasai said he was unaware of any northern forum, including the Arewa Consultative Forum or Northern Elders Forum, endorsing a candidate from the region. He described such claims as individual opinions, urging Nigerians to wait for a formal northern position. Yakasai highlighted Tinubu’s strong political backing, including ministers, governors, and the All Progressives Congress’s control of most states, noting that even some opposition governors support him. He argued that Tinubu has not acted against northern interests and that the north alone cannot determine the presidency, stating, “The odds are in his favor.”
The Obidient Movement, led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, respected Yakasai’s wisdom but disagreed with his stance. Tanko argued that younger, visionary leaders are better suited to address Nigeria’s challenges, citing unprecedented poverty, hunger, and youth unemployment under Tinubu’s administration. He criticized policies that have closed factories and small businesses, accusing Tinubu of nepotism and economic mismanagement. Tanko urged Yakasai to support a new generation to restore Nigeria’s global standing.
The Peoples Democratic Party also rejected Yakasai’s view, predicting a historic defeat for Tinubu in 2027. Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor called Yakasai’s assessment “outdated,” pointing to a growing coalition of Nigerians frustrated with Tinubu’s leadership. Osadolor claimed Tinubu’s administration lacks competence and vision, asserting that the margin of his loss will be significant and driven by a movement to secure Nigeria’s future.
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