President Bola Tinubu makes conscious efforts to reach out for bloc votes in the South and North-Central regions in the run-up to the 2027 presidential election. This is a strategy his team has drawn up to neutralize the growing opposition structures in the core North. Intelligence reports reveal a threat from key northern figures and groups.
Tinubu’s strategy focuses on building a strong southern base. This move aims to prevent losses like those in the 2023 election. The All Progressives Congress induces defections from Peoples Democratic Party governors in the South.
Additionally, the APC secures support from states such as Osun. The governor there pledges loyalty to Tinubu and considers joining the party. As a result, experts predict the APC will win all southern states except Abia and Oyo.
Reasons for the Shift
Northern groups unsatisfied with the Tinubu administration: The Northern Elders Forum and Arewa Consultative Forum point to marginalization in appointments and projects. Besides that, they criticize efforts at tackling insecurity.
Moreover prominent figures like Nasir El-Rufai and Abubakar Malami mobilize against Tinubu. These actions stem from loyalty to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Consequently the APC pivots to safer regions for votes.
Securing the South
The APC employs targeted alliances and elite outreach in the South. They use federal influence to flip states won by opponents before. For example, they target areas lost to Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. Furthermore, recent defections bolster this effort. An APC official states that the team has delivered the South to the President.
This progress ensures no opposition victory in southern states. In addition, the plan draws lessons from past elections. Tinubu aims for unified southern support. This unity will offset any northern losses.
Targeting North-Central
In North-Central, the APC commissions individuals to mobilize votes. They engage clerics, youth groups, and organizations. The goal is to deliver 80 to 90 percent of votes from this region.
Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga leads these consultations. He praises Tinubu for infrastructure fixes and key appointments. Positions like Secretary to the Government and APC National Chairman go to North-Central figures. As a result, the region receives special treatment. This approach aims to reclaim lost states like Plateau and Nasarawa. Success here will neutralize opposition in the North-East and North-West.
Key Players Involved
Femi Gbajabiamila serves as Chief of Staff and drives the strategy. Hope Uzodimma chairs the APC Governors Forum and aids coordination. Ajibola Basiru, as National Secretary, handles party operations.James Faleke represents Ikeja and contributes to planning. These leaders collaborate with the Presidency. They also involve businessmen in North-Central efforts.
Opposition Pushback
The Peoples Democratic Party accuses the APC of stifling democracy. They warn against moves to block opposition candidates. Ini Ememobong stresses that people decide power. Meanwhile the African Democratic Congress calls the strategy empty. Bolaji Abdullahi notes the APC’s declining popularity due to poor governance. He views defections as self-serving.
To the opposition New Nigeria Peoples Party, the election is basically a referendum of the people against the APC. The chieftain, Ladipo Johnson, believes that a victorious defeat will be achieved via mass turnout. Economic hardships have therefore been fueling this opposition sentiment.
In conclusion, Tinubu’s arrangement cements his situation for 2027. In any case, there are as yet difficulties from northern obstruction and restriction solidarity. Success depends on effective execution and voter response.
