Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain and presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, has asserted that the North cannot reclaim the presidency in 2027. Speaking during an interview with Arise News, Okupe emphasized the importance of adhering to an unwritten agreement on power rotation between the North and South, describing it as crucial for national stability and equity.
“There’s a rotation system where the North rules for eight years, followed by the South for the same duration,” Okupe explained. “In 2027, power cannot return to the North yet. That’s not how we do it.” While acknowledging that it is not mandatory for President Bola Tinubu to retain power, Okupe insisted the presidency must remain in the South, irrespective of who holds the office.
Okupe lamented the failure of Nigeria’s elite to foster a new generation of leaders capable of continuing the political legacy of balancing regional interests. He singled out former leaders such as Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and TY Danjuma, criticizing them for not grooming younger leaders to take over governance effectively.
“These are individuals who have managed Nigeria’s political affairs over the past 25 years,” Okupe said. “Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to nurture a younger elite class to build on the foundations they laid.”
Okupe also cautioned northern politicians against attempting to back a southerner other than Tinubu in 2027, warning it could create complications for the North’s future political aspirations. “If they do, such a person might remain in power for another eight years, further delaying the North’s turn,” he remarked.
Despite his critiques, Okupe praised President Tinubu’s reforms, describing the ongoing challenges as temporary setbacks necessary for long-term progress. Highlighting Tinubu’s introduction of a student loan program, he said, “Bola Tinubu has made poverty no longer an excuse to avoid education. This is part of his agenda, and it’s now operational.”
Okupe concluded by reiterating the inevitability of short-term sacrifices for long-term gains. “There is nowhere any reforms take place without temporary pains. If there are no pains, there are no gains,” he affirmed.
Okupe’s remarks add a significant voice to the ongoing discourse about power-sharing, regional representation, and leadership development as Nigeria approaches its next electoral cycle.
I think its ridiculous to suggest the North should forget the 2027 presidency. Everyone should have a fair chance.
I think its narrow-minded to dismiss the North from the 2027 presidency. Lets focus on competence, not just region.
I disagree with Okupe. The North has just as much right to the presidency in 2027. Lets not play favorites.
I think its unfair to dismiss the North from the 2027 presidency discussion. Lets keep an open mind!
I think its ridiculous to write off an entire region like that. Everyone should have a chance at the presidency.
I think Doyin Okupes statement is way off. Why should the North forget the 2027 presidency? Everyone deserves a fair chance.
I disagree with Okupe. The North has just as much right to the presidency in 2027. Lets embrace unity and fairness.
I cant believe Okupe said that! North should have a fair chance too. Let the best candidate win!
I think its unfair to dismiss the Norths chance for the 2027 presidency. Lets keep an open mind! #2027PresidencyDebate
I think its unfair to dismiss the Norths chances in 2027. Lets not jump to conclusions so quickly!
I totally disagree with Okupe! Everyone should have a fair chance at the presidency, regardless of their region. Lets break stereotypes!
I think Okupes statement is divisive. Every region should have a fair chance at the presidency. Lets focus on unity!
Why divide when we can unite? Presidency should be about merit, not region. Lets prioritize unity.
I think the North deserves a chance at the presidency in 2027! Lets not dismiss any regions aspirations. #EqualityForAll
I dont agree with Okupe! Lets not dismiss the North for 2027 presidency. Every region deserves a chance. #EqualityForAll
I think Okupes statement is unfair. Why should the North forget the presidency in 2027? Everyone should have a fair chance.
The North has had its fair share. Its time for a more inclusive leadership.
I think its unfair to dismiss the North from the 2027 presidency. Lets give everyone a chance to lead!
I strongly disagree with Okupe! The North deserves a chance at the presidency in 2027. Its time for a change.
I cant believe Doyin Okupe said that! Why should the North forget about the 2027 presidency? Lets discuss!
Honestly, I think its time we stop focusing on where a leader comes from and start looking at their qualifications. Talent knows no boundaries.
I think its unfair to completely rule out the North for the 2027 presidency. Lets keep our options open!
The North has had its fair share. Its time for diversity in leadership.
I disagree with Okupe! The North deserves a shot at the presidency in 2027 too. Lets not discount anyone based on region.
I disagree with Okupe. The North should have a chance at the presidency in 2027. Lets embrace diversity and fairness.
I think its ridiculous to dismiss the North from the 2027 presidency. Lets embrace diversity and give everyone a chance!
I believe regional politics should be left behind. Lets focus on competence over geographical origins for the 2027 presidency.
Um, why should the North forget about the 2027 presidency? Sounds like a bold statement, but Im curious to hear more.
I disagree with Okupe! The North should have a chance at the presidency too. Lets shake things up in 2027!
I completely disagree with Okupe. Every region deserves a chance at the presidency. Lets not limit our options based on geography.
Respectfully, merit should outweigh geography when choosing a leader. Competence matters most.
I think its ridiculous to say the North should forget the 2027 presidency. Everyone should have a fair chance!
I disagree with Okupe. Everyone should have a chance at the presidency, regardless of region. Lets embrace diversity!
I disagree with Okupes statement. The North has every right to aspire for the presidency in 2027. Lets not limit anyones potential based on region.
I think its ridiculous to dismiss the North from the 2027 presidency already. Lets keep our options open!
I think its important to consider all regions for presidency, not just the North. Lets embrace diversity and unity!
I think its unfair to dismiss the Norths chances for the 2027 presidency. Lets keep an open mind and see what unfolds!