Reinforcing a Southern and Middle Belt Alliance: The Gamble of 2027
"Bouteree Constructs Alliance with Southern-Middle Belt Regions to Oppose Northern Factions in Anticipation of 2027"
In a Game of Thrones-style power play, President Bola Tinubu is shaking up Nigeria's political landscape, aiming to bypass Northern opposition to his 2027 re-election bid by forging strength in the South and Middle Belt regions.
According to Daily Sun reports, this shift became apparent with a dramatic political event unfolding in Delta State when Governor Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori - a sitting Governor elected on the opposition's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform - defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). What's more, Oborevwori brought his party's entire structure under the APC's wing, signaling a significant blow to the PDP.
This southward march complements Tinubu's growing endorsements from Southern Governors and Middle Belt leaders, demonstrating his commitment to solidifying a formidable foothold in these regions. Commenting on the situation, an anonymous APC leader told Daily Sun, "It's no secret that President Tinubu is working hard to amass support from the South and Middle Belt - it's high time we faced facts."
Building a United Front in the South and Middle Belt
Political analysts are speculating that Tinubu's move is more than just a stubborn response to the opposition; it's reminiscent of Henry V's rally cry in Shakespeare's play, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends." A source familiar with the political reshuffling explained, "Tinubu's soldiers are flocking across the Southern and Middle Belt political spectrum, preaching the importance of regional unity and solidarity in resisting the northern resistance."
The argument is clear: A defeat for President Tinubu in 2027 would not only shatter the unwritten "North-South rotational Presidency" principle but also leave a profound psycho-social scar on the South, further bolstering the perception among Northern political elites that they hold ultimate sway over the country's destiny.
Dismantling the PDP's Strongholds
Governor Oborevwori's defection is a significant move, marking the beginning of a potential political realignment. The significance of this shift is emphasized by Oborevwori's close ties with former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, a PDP stalwart with substantial influence in the South-South region. Politics watchers believe Ibori might follow suit, further solidifying the APC's foothold in the south.
Southern Governors' Declaration of Support
Gaining endorsements from Southern Governors is crucial for Tinubu's 2027 campaign. For example, Governors Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom have publicly pledged their support, with Eno reassuring Tinubu, "I want to assure our President (Tinubu), our people-loving President, he will complete two full terms because we will stand by him."
Fallout Among the Opposition
Tinubu's tactics are not without criticism. For instance, Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, labeled Oborevwori's defection "sad," stressing that the party would overcome the setback. Meanwhile, former APC spokesman, Timi Frank, accused Tinubu of using blackmail and threats to secure his re-election in 2027.
The Long Game
Political strategist Samuel O. Ajayi pointed out that Tinubu's strategies resemble those of former President Obasanjo in 2003: poaching opponents to secure an advantage. Ajayi cautioned that while Tinubu may win the political battle, the aftermath may not be as straightforward. Only time will tell whether Tinubu's strikes strike the iron while it's hot or ultimately sow the seeds of his own downfall.
- President Bola Tinubu aims to strengthen his 2027 re-election bid by focusing on the South and Middle Belt regions in Nigeria, bypassing northern opposition.
- The Daily Sun reported that Governor Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, a PDP governor, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing his party's entire structure under the APC's wing.
- Tinubu's growing endorsements from Southern Governors and Middle Belt leaders demonstrate his commitment to solidify a formidable foothold in the South and Middle Belt regions.
- This political move by Tinubu is reminiscent of Henry V's rally cry in Shakespeare's play, "Once more unto the breach, dear friends."
- The APC leader told the Daily Sun that Tinubu is working hard to amass support from the South and Middle Belt regions.
- Political analysts speculate that Tinubu's move is more than just a stubborn response to the opposition, but a means of resisting northern resistance.
- A defeat for Tinubu in 2027 would shatter the unwritten "North-South rotational Presidency" principle and bolster the perception among Northern political elites that they hold ultimate sway over the country's destiny.
- Governor Oborevwori's close ties with former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, a PDP stalwart, might further solidify the APC's foothold in the south.
- Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom have publicly pledged their support for President Tinubu's 2027 campaign.
- Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, labeled Oborevwori's defection "sad," while former APC spokesman, Timi Frank, accused Tinubu of using blackmail and threats to secure his re-election in 2027.
- Political strategist Samuel O. Ajayi compared Tinubu's strategies to those of former President Obasanjo in 2003, noting that while Tinubu may win the political battle, the aftermath may not be as straightforward.
- Only time will tell whether Tinubu's strikes will strike the iron while it's hot or ultimately sow the seeds of his own downfall, in the 2023 general news cycle that includes migration, war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, crime-and-justice, car-accidents, fires, and other political and societal issues.
