Former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, has stated that the presidency will not revert to the North in 2027, emphasizing the need to uphold Nigeria’s established power rotation principle. Okupe argued that even if President Bola Tinubu fails to secure a second term, the presidency would remain in the South.

Speaking on Arise TV, Okupe reiterated his views expressed earlier in an exclusive interview with The Whistler, where he commended Tinubu’s efforts in addressing the challenges inherited from the previous administration. Okupe remarked that Tinubu’s performance so far, despite Nigeria’s economic struggles, positions him favorably for re-election. He dismissed opposition parties as disorganized and lacking the vision or leadership to challenge Tinubu effectively.

Okupe declared, “In 2027, power cannot return to the North yet. This country operates on a rotational system of leadership—eight years for the North, followed by eight years for the South. I’m not saying Tinubu must be president in 2027, but it’s certainly not going to be a northerner.”

He criticized Nigeria’s failure to cultivate a younger political elite, attributing this to the shortcomings of past leaders such as Ibrahim Babangida, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and TY Danjuma. Okupe lamented their inability to mentor a new generation capable of sustaining the country’s political balance.

“This lack of a unified national elite system is a fundamental reason for Nigeria’s stagnation,” Okupe added, stressing that many political players prioritize sectional interests over national unity. He concluded by urging stakeholders to strengthen the rotational framework for the country’s stability.