Kehinde Fajobi
Doyin Okupe, former director-general of the Obi/Datti presidential campaign, has reiterated his belief that Nigeria operates on an informal power-sharing agreement, where the presidency rotates eight years each between the north and the south.
Okupe shared his views during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels TV.
“In this country, we have an agreement that the north will do eight years and the south will do eight years,” Okupe said, explaining that former President Muhammadu Buhari completed eight years in office, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could do the same if he performs well.
Okupe suggested that Tinubu has the potential to secure a second term in 2027 if he addresses the nation’s current economic challenges.
“Tinubu is doing exceedingly well and he’s going to do much, much better. Bola Tinubu needs understanding, not undermining,” Okupe remarked, expressing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
“If we do not go through this tough time, the country would have collapsed.”
He further emphasised his trust in Tinubu’s ability to improve Nigeria’s situation, stating, “I am more than convinced that if this gentleman is given understanding, he would do better.
Bola Tinubu will fix this nation. Take that to the bank.”
Okupe went on to address Tinubu’s prospects for re-election, pointing to the challenges of fuel and food shortages.
“If Bola Tinubu resolves this fuel crisis and this food crisis between now and that time, you’ll see that people will go on the streets and say it’s Bola or nobody,” he said.
“Bola Tinubu is not a fool. He knows if he does not do this well between now and 2027, he will not have a chance.”
Reflecting on Buhari’s presidency, Okupe added, “Buhari did not do well. We were not crazy. We did not fight; we didn’t raise our voice. Bola Tinubu is doing well; he will do eight years if God blesses his life and he wants to do so.”