Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former spokesman and ex-Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, has ruled out the possibility of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar becoming Nigeria’s president in 2027, emphasizing that the presidency should return to the south.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Okupe acknowledged Atiku’s competence but argued that geopolitical fairness requires a southern president to complete an eight-year tenure following President Bola Tinubu’s term, mirroring the north’s eight years under Muhammadu Buhari.
“Atiku did not lose in 2023 due to incompetence but because the idea of a northern Muslim succeeding another northern Muslim was unacceptable. While he remains a top contender, geopolitical considerations make his 2027 candidacy unsuitable,” Okupe said.
He also noted that Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party could vie again in 2027 but cautioned that unseating Tinubu would be a steep challenge if the president continues to perform well.
Okupe dismissed potential opposition alliances, citing selfishness and a lack of unity among opposition leaders like Atiku, Obi, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. He lauded Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as “purposeful” and “clear about his vision for Nigeria.”
“Tinubu’s emergence is a blessing for Nigeria. The country must choose whether to embrace progress or continue playing politics at the expense of future generations,” Okupe concluded.
