Ahead of 2027, Tinubu Strikes Bold Deal with Southern and Middle Belt Leaders to Outflank North

In what appears to be a calculated strategy to offset growing resistance from Northern political blocs ahead of the 2027 presidential election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is intensifying efforts to solidify a powerful support base in the Southern and Middle Belt regions.

A pivotal political development recently unfolded in Delta State, where the sitting Governor, Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, elected under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made a high-profile defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oborevwori’s move did not come alone—he reportedly transferred the full political machinery of the PDP in the state into the APC’s control, marking a dramatic shift in the region’s political landscape.

This development, combined with a growing wave of endorsements from Southern Governors and some Middle Belt leaders, underscores Tinubu’s deliberate push to reinforce his grip on these zones, counterbalancing skepticism and opposition emerging from the North.

The strategic implications are significant. Political insiders view this as part of President Tinubu’s broader plan to neutralize Northern resistance and secure a path to re-election.

A senior APC official, who requested anonymity, told Daily Sun:

“I wouldn’t say PBAT is challenging the North directly, but it’s clear that he is vigorously rallying Southern and Middle Belt leaders to secure his second-term ambition.”

This statement reflects Tinubu’s increasing engagement with influential political figures from both regions.

Building a Pan-Southern and Middle Belt Alliance

Observers believe Tinubu’s activities are not just about consolidation—they could also trigger political realignment in the South and Middle Belt. The president is said to be mobilizing governors, federal lawmakers, and top figures across party lines to form a unified front in support of his 2027 bid.

A political source privy to the strategy revealed:

“The President’s allies are actively engaging with stakeholders in both zones, emphasizing the importance of regional unity and ensuring that the presidency remains in the South for a full eight years.”

At the heart of the campaign is the narrative that a loss for Tinubu in 2027 would disrupt the informal North-South power rotation and potentially embolden a belief among Northern elites that they retain dominant control over Nigeria’s political future.