President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intensified political maneuvers aimed at solidifying his support base in Northern Nigeria, positioning himself and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for a stronger showing in the 2027 general elections.
The latest move in this direction was the appointment of Professor Goshwe Nentawe Yilwatda as the APC’s new national chairman. A Plateau State indigene and a Christian, Yilwatda’s selection is widely interpreted as a strategic step to appeal to the religious and electoral dynamics of the North Central zone, especially given the growing opposition efforts to rally the region.
Sources revealed that President Tinubu’s choice was influenced by Yilwatda’s administrative experience as a former Resident Electoral Commissioner and his strong showing in the 2023 Plateau governorship race. The appointment is also seen as part of a broader strategy to ensure inclusivity and boost voter appeal across demographic, religious, and regional lines.
This development comes on the heels of internal consultations within a high-level policy group set up by the Presidency, which recommended balancing the APC’s power structure to reflect broader national interests, particularly in the North. The group reportedly emphasized the importance of zoning, religious sensitivity, and voter turnout history.
The President’s decision also sidelined other contenders like Senator Sani Musa of Niger State and Senator Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, both Muslims, with the former believed to be backed by CPC elements within the party. Tinubu’s move signals a calculated response to the North Central’s predominantly Christian composition and its potential to swing electoral fortunes.
In the North West, the political dynamics continue to evolve, with speculations mounting that President Tinubu may consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a northern candidate from Kano State. Possible names being floated include Governors Dikko Radda and Uba Sani, as well as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. This shift is aimed at countering the influence of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), who is said to be making demands in exchange for aligning with the APC.
The Deputy Senate President, who defeated Kwankwaso’s NNPP in Kano Central during the last election, has played down speculation about the vice presidency but confirmed his strong collaboration with the Tinubu administration. Meanwhile, Senator Kawu Sumaila has been strategically positioned to undercut Kwankwaso’s regional appeal, especially with increased federal support and resources.
In another move to expand the party’s northern reach, President Tinubu appointed Muhammad Babangida, son of former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. His appointment was initially targeted by misinformation campaigns, but Babangida swiftly denied reports of rejecting the role and expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve.
The President’s northern outreach has not gone unnoticed by opposition groups. At a recent meeting of the National Political Consultative Group (North), opposition leaders vowed to counter Tinubu’s influence and accused his administration of favoring the South at the expense of the North. They pledged to promote the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable alternative platform ahead of 2027.
Despite these criticisms, President Tinubu’s actions reflect long-term political planning. From restructuring the APC leadership to preparing for cabinet changes that will favor youth and gender inclusion, his administration is positioning itself to maintain dominance on the national stage. Insiders suggest that ministers from Delta, Enugu, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Jigawa States may be dropped in the anticipated reshuffle to recalibrate the federal character balance.
As 2027 draws closer, Tinubu’s political chessboard continues to evolve, with each move reflecting an effort to consolidate power while neutralizing opposition threats across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones.
