Veteran politician and elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has declared that President Bola Tinubu remains the strongest candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential race. In a weekend interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Yakasai said he sees no one currently capable of defeating Tinubu in the next general election.
Speaking from Abuja, the respected northern leader noted that despite speculations, no official position has been taken by the Arewa Consultative Forum or any major northern bloc to support a different candidate for the upcoming 2027 election.
“I haven’t heard of any northern coalition endorsing a candidate. Most of what is being circulated are just personal opinions, not a unified northern decision,” Yakasai said.
He stressed that President Tinubu commands massive support, not just from his All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and ministers, but even from some leaders in the opposition.
“With the strength Tinubu has – the presidency, a majority of state governors, and backing from several political blocs – no other person comes close in terms of readiness for the 2027 contest,” Yakasai stated confidently.
Highlighting the internal problems facing opposition parties, Yakasai added that the division within their ranks gives Tinubu a smoother path to victory. “Until something major changes, nothing seems capable of stopping Tinubu from winning,” he noted, reinforcing his belief that the odds favour Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
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Yakasai, who turns 100 in December, also dismissed claims that Tinubu had acted against the interests of the North. “To my knowledge, the president has done nothing wrong to the North. Besides, no single region can decide Nigeria’s future alone.”
On governance, Yakasai declined to rate Tinubu’s performance so far, but called on politicians to focus more on national development than personal ambition. “Politics should be about improving the country, not just holding titles like governor, minister, or president,” he advised.
Yakasai also warned against politics driven by ethnicity and religion, saying these have only slowed Nigeria’s progress.
Reflecting on his longevity, the elder statesman credited genetics and divine favour. “My father lived to 107, my mother nearly 100. Now, I have over 80 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I thank God for it all.”
As conversations heat up ahead of the 2027 election, Yakasai’s endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid adds to growing signals that the incumbent may already have a strong head start.
