- The former spokesperson lamented that past leaders failed to cultivate a younger elite class, adding that they managed the country’s affairs through political balancing for 25 years.
- Okupe warned that if the north backs a southern candidate against Tinubu, it may inadvertently create an eight-year presidency, posing a dilemma for northern interests.
A former presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, has asserted that the coming presidency will not revert to the northern region during the elections in 2027.
During an appearance on ‘Prime Time’, a show aired by Arise Television on Monday, Okupe reflected on historical instances from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
The ex-presidential aide pointed out that there was an “unwritten national consensus to elect southwestern leaders” emphasising this as a response to regional issues linked to MKO Abiola’s election outcomes.
He mentioned that sectionalism represents the “most fundamental problems why Nigeria is stagnating,” further stating that political leaders prior prioritized “national interest over sectional interest.”
“Those who control the affairs of this nation, in terms of politics before now, were more interested in national interest than sectional interest.”
“The absence of a developed national elite system ranks among Nigeria’s core stagnation issues, creating conflicts since we all diverge in our goals.”
“Regarding 2027, I declare this confidently, without hesitation or doubt… power is unlikely to bounce back to the North. This isn’t the method we employ.”
“The reality is that there are stakeholders in this country and ways things have been managed since 1960 independence.”
“The nation may not have achieved significant economic progress, but politically, we have skillfully maintained unity.”
“When Obasanjo took office, an unwritten national agreement stated a candidate from the southwestern region would lead. Obasanjo and Olu falaye were the contenders, favoring the southwest.”
“We alternate between the North and the South. The North has its period of eight years, followed by the South’s eight years.”
“I’m not implying Bola Tinubu must necessarily be president in 2027, but the next person won’t be from the North.”
The former spokesperson expressed disappointment that prior leadership neglected to nurture a younger elite class, instead balancing political responsibilities for 25 years.
“Sadly, I must admit, they have not succeeded in cultivating a younger elite class capable of taking over along the very platforms that shaped our current political landscape,” Okupe stated.
Okupe cautioned that should the North support a southern candidate against Tinubu, it could unintentionally lead to an eight-year presidency, complicating northern interests.
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