Activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has asserted that President Bola Tinubu's primary electoral concern ahead of the 2027 general elections revolves around the political alignment of Northern Nigeria. According to Adeyanju, the President is apprehensive that the region might replicate what he termed the "Goodluck Jonathan treatment"—a reference to the 2015 election where a loss of Northern support contributed to the defeat of the incumbent president.
Adeyanju's Statement
In a statement shared on social media, Adeyanju wrote: "Tinubu only fears the North and northern leaders as far as 2027 is concerned. They are so scared northern Nigeria are planning to surprise him which is why all the fear of ADC. There is no one in southern Nigeria that worries him. He thinks the North want to give him GEJ treatment."
Political Implications
The comment highlights the perceived strategic importance of Northern voters in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential election. Adeyanju's remarks suggest that President Tinubu's administration is particularly wary of losing support in the North, a region that has historically played a decisive role in national elections.
This analysis comes amid ongoing political realignments and discussions about potential candidates and alliances ahead of the next election cycle. The reference to the "Goodluck Jonathan treatment" underscores the memory of the 2015 election, when President Goodluck Jonathan lost re-election to Muhammadu Buhari, partly due to a shift in Northern voter sentiment.
Reactions and Context
Adeyanju's statement has sparked discussions among political observers and analysts, with some agreeing that Northern support remains crucial for any presidential candidate. Others caution that the political landscape may shift as the election approaches, and that other factors, including economic performance and party dynamics, could influence voter behavior.
As of now, President Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have not officially responded to Adeyanju's claims. However, the comment adds to the ongoing debate about the administration's electoral strategy and its relationship with Northern political leaders.
