Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, has expressed concerns about Peter Obi's ability to garner trust from Northerners ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sani stated that Northerners do not trust Obi enough to let him govern Nigeria for even a single term. This statement has sparked a heated debate about Obi's viability as a candidate in the upcoming elections.
*Tinubu's Chances in the North*
Sani also weighed in on President Bola Tinubu's prospects, suggesting that he may still secure Northern votes due to the lingering loyalty of former President Buhari's supporters. According to Sani, these supporters are unlikely to betray Buhari's legacy by abandoning the APC. This loyalty, Sani believes, could translate into votes for Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
*Zoning and Atiku's Prospects*
Regarding the principle of zoning, Sani noted that it may not work in Atiku Abubakar's favor as he seeks to challenge Tinubu. Sani believes that most Southerners and many Northerners still support zoning as a means of maintaining national unity and stability. However, he argued that this principle may not necessarily benefit Atiku, given the current political landscape.
*Opposition's Chances*
Sani expressed skepticism about the opposition's ability to defeat Tinubu, citing unfavorable political conditions and a lack of clear alternatives. He noted that the opposition has failed to explain what they would do differently from the Tinubu administration. According to Sani, this lack of a clear alternative makes it unlikely for the opposition to unseat the APC.
*Lack of Clear Alternative*
Sani pointed out that Atiku, Obi, and Tinubu all campaigned on removing fuel subsidies, framing it as inevitable. He noted that this lack of distinction between the candidates' policies makes it challenging for the opposition to gain traction. "Atiku got 7m votes, Peter Obi garnered 6.1m votes, and Bola Tinubu got 8m votes," Sani said. "These suggest Nigerians saw the removal of fuel subsidies as a non-choice factor."
*Key Individuals*
Sani also shared his thoughts on key individuals, describing former Governor El-Rufai as a brilliant technocrat but not a grassroots politician. He predicted that former Governor Kwankwaso might eventually join the APC to enhance his political relevance. According to Sani, Kwankwaso's ability to deliver Kano State makes him a significant player in Nigerian politics.
*Conclusion*
The 2027 general elections are shaping up to be a complex and competitive contest. Sani's comments have added fuel to the debate about the viability of various candidates. As the elections draw near, it remains to be seen how the different players will navigate the complex web of alliances, zoning, and voter loyalty.
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