Segun Sowunmi’s Outlook for Tinubu in 2027
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Segun Sowunmi has warned that President Bola Tinubu may record a weak performance in the Northern part of Nigeria when the country goes to the polls in 2027.
Speaking on the forthcoming presidential contest, Sowunmi insisted that the race will essentially be a showdown between Tinubu and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar. He believes Tinubu will secure significantly better numbers in the Southeast—a region where his party has historically struggled.
The Southwest, according to Sowunmi, will remain a stronghold for the incumbent, delivering solid vote totals. He even suggested that the South‑South could outperform the Southeast in terms of support for Tinubu.
In the North‑central zone, Sowunmi expects the president to do very well, while anticipating a marked improvement over his 2023 showing in the Northwest.
He pointed out that the Northwest’s outcome will hinge on the influence of key political actors and financial backers who dominate the electoral landscape there. Regarding the Northeast, Sowunmi said the vice‑president will need to exert extra effort, and state governors will have to work harder to sway voters.
When asked where Tinubu’s weakness might appear, Sowunmi singled out the Northern states. He cited examples such as Katsina, where the PDP previously won thanks to the efforts of Atiku’s former campaign director, noting that the political dynamics have shifted since key figures have moved parties or changed allegiance.
Turning to Kano, Sowunmi highlighted the emergence of new power brokers like Shekarau, surpassing earlier figures such as Ganduje, and noted the presence of major business interests—including Aliko Dangote and the BUA Group—which, in his view, do not automatically translate into electoral advantage for any single candidate.
Overall, Sowunmi’s analysis suggests that while Tinubu may enjoy strong backing across much of the South and parts of the North, the Northern bloc remains a potential vulnerability that opposition forces could exploit in the 2027 election.
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