Okupe Declares Presidency Will Not Return to the North in 2027

A former presidential aide to Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe, has made a bold declaration that the presidency will not return to the North in 2027. During an interview with Arise TV on Monday, Okupe addressed those advocating for a Northern presidency in the upcoming election, arguing against the notion of sectional leadership.

He identified sectionalism as a major factor contributing to Nigeria's stagnation, emphasizing that past political leaders prioritized national interest over regional affiliations. “I say this authoritatively without any fear of contradiction or equivocation, in 2027, power cannot return to the North yet. That’s not how we do it,” he asserted.

Okupe elaborated on the traditional power rotation system in Nigeria, stating, “We rotate between the North and the South. The North does eight years, at the end of which the South does eight years.” While he clarified that he is not necessarily advocating for current President Bola Tinubu's re-election, he firmly stated that the presidency will not be held by a Northerner in the next election cycle.