Tinubu Advised to Adopt Inclusive Political Arrangement
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to select a Hausa-Fulani running mate for the 2027 presidential elections, according to Dr Oyedele Oyewumi, a Yoruba leader and public affairs commentator. Oyewumi made the call during a speech in Lagos on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as reported by The Guardian.
Oyewumi also recommended that Tinubu support the emergence of a Senate President from the South-East. He argued that such a political configuration would promote a greater sense of belonging among Nigeria's diverse ethnic and regional groups, ensuring that all regions feel like integral stakeholders in the democratic process.
Call for National Unity and Legacy
“If the President embraces a political arrangement that reflects Nigeria’s diversity and accommodates all major blocs, history will remember him as one of the country’s most courageous and unifying leaders,” Oyewumi said. “His legacy will not only be measured by economic reforms but also by his commitment to justice, fairness and national unity.”
Oyewumi emphasized that a broader power-sharing arrangement could further consolidate national unity and enhance Tinubu's place in history. He urged the President to prioritize national interest above past political disagreements, noting that political inclusion is one of the most effective ways of reducing ethnic tensions, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering long-term stability.
Current Vice President and Ethnic Considerations
Vice President Kashim Shettima is of Kanuri ethnicity and was born and raised in Maiduguri, Borno State. Oyewumi's suggestion implies a shift to a Hausa-Fulani running mate, which would alter the current ethnic balance in the presidency.
Northern Support for Tinubu
In related political developments, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has expressed confidence that the North will massively vote for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Speaking in an interview, Governor Sani dismissed opposition claims that the election is between the ruling APC and Nigerians, stating that the opposition is presenting weak arguments.
Governor Sani's remarks come amid speculation about the voting patterns of the North, a crucial electoral bloc. The governor's assurance underscores the strategic importance of northern support for Tinubu's re-election bid.
Tinubu Also Faces Calls for Accountability
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Tinubu to suspend Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff over allegations of a N400 million bribery scandal and questions surrounding a purported N27.4 billion budgetary allocation. Atiku maintained that the President must demonstrate leadership by ensuring accountability within his administration. The ADC chieftain noted that the explanation attributed to the Chief of Staff has created fresh credibility concerns for the federal government.
