By: Bayero Ade
Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign under the Labour Party (LP), has expressed that it would be unjust for the North to reclaim the presidency in the 2027 elections.
Okupe argued that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure, which he believes is essential for fairness and national unity.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, he emphasized that geopolitical factors are crucial and that Northern aspirations for the presidency in 2027 would upset the established power rotation between the regions.
While acknowledging the qualifications of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who ran for president under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, Okupe suggested that Northern candidates should refrain from contesting in 2027 in the interest of national cohesion.
“Atiku’s candidacy in 2023 faced resistance because it was seen as disrupting the North-South power rotation,” Okupe explained. “While Atiku is highly qualified, geopolitics remains a significant issue. If a Southerner serves four years by 2027, they should be allowed another four years to ensure balance.”
Okupe further argued that, although power rotation is not explicitly stated in the constitution, it has become an accepted political norm in Nigeria.
“A Northern president cannot take over after a Southern president has only served four years. It would not be fair,” he said.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions among political stakeholders from both the North and South as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
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