The North's Political Debt: Will 2027 Be Tinubu's Year?
In a bold declaration that's sure to spark debate, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Director General of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), has proclaimed that northerners will overwhelmingly back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. But here's where it gets controversial: Yakassai frames this support not just as a political strategy, but as a moral obligation. Speaking in Akure during the launch of the Ondo State TSG chapter, Yakassai argued that the North owes Tinubu a debt of gratitude for his past support of President Buhari in 2015 and 2019. He stated, "If Asiwaju stood by Buhari, it's only right that we northerners return the favor and ensure President Tinubu's second term. It's a matter of moral conscience and doing what's right."
Yakassai dismissed dissenting northern voices as insignificant, attributing their opposition to personal grievances or allegations of corruption. He urged supporters to engage with these critics but ultimately prioritize mobilizing the majority. This raises a key question: Is political loyalty based on reciprocity a sustainable foundation for a nation's future?
And this is the part most people miss: Yakassai's confidence stems from the TSG's role as the central organizing force behind Tinubu's support base. He emphasized its function as a unifying platform for various groups working towards Tinubu's re-election.
Ondo State: A Tinubu Success Story?
Prince Ademola Adegoroye, TSG's Ondo State Director General, highlighted the state's significant gains under Tinubu's presidency. He listed several major infrastructure projects, including the Akure-Ado Road, Ore-Akure Road, and a portion of the Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, as evidence of Tinubu's commitment to Ondo's development. Adegoroye argued that these achievements, coupled with Governor Aiyedatiwa's leadership, provide a compelling narrative for Tinubu's re-election campaign.
Aiyedatiwa: Confident in Tinubu's Victory
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, newly appointed as Grand Patron of the Ondo TSG, expressed confidence in Tinubu's re-election prospects. He praised the TSG members as key influencers in Ondo politics and pledged his full support for their efforts. Aiyedatiwa's endorsement further solidifies the TSG's position in the state and underscores the group's strategy of building strong local support networks.
Food for Thought:
While Yakassai presents a compelling case for northern support, the question of whether political loyalty should be based on past favors remains open to debate. Is this a sustainable model for national unity, or does it perpetuate a cycle of transactional politics? We invite your thoughts in the comments below.
