The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 presidential election continues to heat up as former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, expressed his willingness to support Mr. Peter Obi, should he emerge as the consensus candidate of an opposition coalition. Lamido, while affirming his loyalty to the PDP, emphasized that competence and vision should drive leadership selection—not ethnicity or region.
“If the coalition produces Peter Obi or anyone else committed to rescuing Nigeria, I will support them. But I remain PDP,” Lamido stated, arguing that zoning is a historical solution to a past issue—specifically, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election—but has now become a stumbling block to national progress. “We should have outgrown tribal and regional sentiments,” he noted. “What has the North gained from producing the most presidents if the region remains underdeveloped?”
Lamido’s openness to Obi’s candidacy aligns with recent remarks by the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), which has signaled a potential shift toward Peter Obi. The MBF’s National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, suggested that the North may have no other viable alternative and could rally behind Obi based on his consistent track record and his promise to serve only one term if elected.
“In the situation which the North finds itself, their options are limited,” Pogu noted. “They may end up supporting someone with a track record of consistency like Peter Obi, or someone like former President Goodluck Jonathan who is constitutionally limited to one term.” Pogu, however, acknowledged doubts about whether northern stakeholders would follow through on their support even with written assurances.
On the other hand, skepticism runs deep in other northern quarters. Ibrahim Nakande, a former Minister of Information, dismissed Obi’s one-term promise as political maneuvering. “Will his region agree to one term? It’s political,” he said, while noting that Obi’s popularity in the North cannot be ignored.
Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai took a different stance, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu—if re-elected in 2027—would constitutionally be compelled to leave office in 2031, making him a more predictable option for the North. “Tinubu is in the best position to hand over power to the North after 2027,” Yakasai said.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Defence League criticized the idea of a one-term cap on any southern president, calling it undemocratic and counterproductive. “Imposing an arbitrary one-term limit undermines the will of the people. Leadership should be based on merit, not outdated zoning formulas,” the group said in a statement.
Alhaji Muhammad Danlami, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, recalled past disappointments and warned the North not to fall for the same promises again. He referenced President Jonathan’s 2011 one-term pledge, which he later reneged on. “The North will not support Peter Obi because of his politics of religion and ethnicity,” he alleged.
From the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Alhaji Jamilu Charanchi expressed doubt that campaign promises—no matter how appealing—would shape northern political decisions. “Only time will reveal where the North’s true allegiance lies,” he said. “Sweet words won’t determine 2027; actions will.”
Former Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Secretary General Anthony Sani also dismissed one-term pledges, saying they often reveal desperation rather than a genuine desire to serve. “The North may prefer Tinubu, who has only one term left, over Obi who can still run for re-election,” Sani said.
Former House of Reps member Bitrus Kaze, who supported Obi in 2023, admitted the offer was attractive but doubted its appeal to the “core North,” while suggesting that Middle Belt regions might embrace it.
On a more optimistic note, Alhaji Tanko Yunusa, Global Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, asserted that Peter Obi’s credibility and philanthropic engagements have significantly improved his perception in the North. Yunusa highlighted Obi’s recent conferment of a traditional title by the Pantami Emirate in Gombe State as a sign of increasing acceptance.
“Peter Obi’s one-term proposal is gaining traction in the North,” Yunusa said. “His rising popularity shows a paradigm shift that could strengthen his electoral value in 2027. He believes even four years is enough to transform Nigeria.”
As 2027 draws closer, the North appears increasingly divided. While some are warming to Obi’s single-term offer and reform agenda, others remain deeply skeptical—rooted in historical betrayals, regional dynamics, and strategic political calculations. Only time will tell which path the northern political bloc ultimately takes.
