Elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently the strongest candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Yakasai said Tinubu has the backing of political structures across Nigeria and still enjoys wide support.
“Who else has all it takes to move into the contest with the kind of stamina and strength to be more successful comparatively with Tinubu?” he asked.
Yakasai, who will turn 100 in December, said he had not seen any official endorsement from northern political groups for any other candidate.
“I haven’t heard anybody making any proposition about the 2027 presidential election from the Arewa Consultative Forum. What is tagged as the position of these forums is mere individual opinion,” he explained.
He noted that President Tinubu has the support of ministers, governors, and other key politicians. He added that even some governors from opposition parties are still supporting the president.
“The crisis rocking some of the major opposition parties has further softened the grounds for Tinubu to win in 2027,” Yakasai said.
He believes the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains strong and controls the majority of states.
“Aside from the ruling All Progressives Congress controlling the majority of states, there are some other governors from the opposition parties still supporting Tinubu,” he said.
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Yakasai also said Tinubu has not done anything to offend the North, and that the region alone cannot decide who becomes president.
“He hasn’t done anything against the North, in my understanding,” he added.
On political ideology, Yakasai said most Nigerian political parties lack clear direction and values.
“The way political parties emerged in this country, especially in this democratic dispensation, is not ideal,” he said.
He blamed frequent defections on the lack of ideology and said politicians often change parties for personal gain. “Some are thinking that their former parties are no longer popular in their localities and need a more viable platform to ensure they win the next election,” he noted.
However, he dismissed fears of a one-party state. “Given the size of the country and the multi-party system, it will be difficult for the country to melt into a one-party state,” he said.
He criticised regional groups like Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Afenifere for not doing enough to promote national unity.
Yakasai also rejected the idea of returning to a regional system of government. “I don’t think a regional government is possible again in Nigeria. That you have a few people who are talking about regional governments doesn’t translate into the fact that the majority of the country is craving for it,” he said.
He urged politicians to focus on national development, not on religion or ethnicity. “They should eschew politics of ethnicity and religion because not making our country the focal point of our politics has held us down for so long,” he advised.
Yakasai also reaffirmed his support for the rotational presidency, saying it helps to promote unity. “In the long run, letting key political offices like the presidency go round will promote unity,” he concluded.
The elder statesman, who has over 80 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, said his long life is a gift from God.
“My father died at the age of 107 years, and my mother died at almost 100 years. I give glory to God for these,” he said.