Presidency 2027 Not a Northern Birthright – Yakassai Blasts Baba-Ahmed’s Claim!

This statement comes in response to comments made by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, who recently declared that the North will soon define its political direction ahead of the 2027 elections. Baba-Ahmed emphasized that no politician can win the presidency without the backing of the North, calling the region’s support crucial for any aspirant’s success.

However, Yakassai, a former Liaison Officer to the late President Shehu Shagari and founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), disagreed. In an interview with Vanguard, he explained that the presidency is a national affair and cannot be determined by either the North or the South alone.

He added, “The presidential election is a national issue. The North alone cannot decide who becomes President; the South alone cannot either. Both regions must come together with a strong candidate to make it happen.”

Yakassai further emphasized that a presidential candidate must not only have popularity but also financial backing, as elections in Nigeria now demand significant funding. He noted that those with wealth in Nigeria are often reluctant to sponsor candidates and that aspiring leaders must have the resources to support their own campaigns.

While acknowledging the North’s critical role in electing a president, Yakassai concluded that it cannot make the decision independently. “The North will play an important role due to its numbers, but other factors such as acceptability and support from key stakeholders will also play a major part in determining the winner.”