STITCHING A FRACTURED FLAG: TINUBU'S SECOND-TERM PUSH AND THE DANGEROUS GAMBLE WITH NIGERIA’S UNITY
BY TIJJANI SHETTIMA
Despite widespread hardship, soaring inflation, and growing disillusionment across the country, a quiet but determined political strategy is unfolding: to secure a second term for President Tinubu—at all costs. Yet, rather than being anchored in performance or the genuine trust of Nigerians, this emerging agenda risks taking a dangerous and divisive turn.
Across the South-South, South-West, and parts of the South-East, certain political leaders are rallying—not necessarily out of belief in the government’s achievements, but due to a growing interest in consolidating political influence within their regions. Some governors are openly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while others are preparing to work subtly from within their existing parties to boost Tinubu’s re-election chances. The calculation appears straightforward: unify the southern bloc, weaken the opposition, and minimize the North’s traditional political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the heart of this maneuver lies a troubling reality. Many of those pushing this agenda appear less concerned with issues such as governance, poverty reduction, insecurity, or economic recovery—and more focused on regional advantage. The concern is not rooted in meritocracy or national progress but in power rotation and the strategic sidelining of northern influence.
This shift in political discourse—from performance-based evaluation to regional contest—poses a risk to national cohesion. The North, historically commanding significant electoral strength, is increasingly being framed not as a partner in progress but as a challenge to be circumvented. Understandably, sentiments in the region are beginning to harden, with discussions ranging from political realignments to potential voter apathy or protest voting.
Such a path, if sustained, represents a dangerous gamble—not only for those orchestrating it but for the overall unity of the country. Our democratic principles and constitutional order affirm that no region holds a monopoly on political power. Leadership should not be the exclusive preserve of any ethnic or geopolitical group. Rather, it must be earned—through transparency, competence, and broad-based support.
By reframing the 2027 elections as a regional power game, the masterminds of this strategy risk deepening Nigeria’s already sensitive divisions. They may well succeed in securing a second term for the President, but at what cost? A more fragmented, distrustful, and unstable federation is a steep price to pay for political continuity.
In attempting to stitch political power together with regional threads, there is a real danger of tearing the national fabric beyond repair. What Nigeria needs now is not another North-versus-South standoff at the ballot box, but leadership that transcends regionalism—leadership that unites rather than divides.
Ultimately, the true test of leadership is not merely electoral victory, but the ability to heal, build trust, and deliver tangible progress. As 2027 approaches, Nigeria must choose unity over division, and merit. Over maneuvering.
BY TIJJANI SHETTIMA
Despite widespread hardship, soaring inflation, and growing disillusionment across the country, a quiet but determined political strategy is unfolding: to secure a second term for President Tinubu—at all costs. Yet, rather than being anchored in performance or the genuine trust of Nigerians, this emerging agenda risks taking a dangerous and divisive turn.
Across the South-South, South-West, and parts of the South-East, certain political leaders are rallying—not necessarily out of belief in the government’s achievements, but due to a growing interest in consolidating political influence within their regions. Some governors are openly aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while others are preparing to work subtly from within their existing parties to boost Tinubu’s re-election chances. The calculation appears straightforward: unify the southern bloc, weaken the opposition, and minimize the North’s traditional political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the heart of this maneuver lies a troubling reality. Many of those pushing this agenda appear less concerned with issues such as governance, poverty reduction, insecurity, or economic recovery—and more focused on regional advantage. The concern is not rooted in meritocracy or national progress but in power rotation and the strategic sidelining of northern influence.
This shift in political discourse—from performance-based evaluation to regional contest—poses a risk to national cohesion. The North, historically commanding significant electoral strength, is increasingly being framed not as a partner in progress but as a challenge to be circumvented. Understandably, sentiments in the region are beginning to harden, with discussions ranging from political realignments to potential voter apathy or protest voting.
Such a path, if sustained, represents a dangerous gamble—not only for those orchestrating it but for the overall unity of the country. Our democratic principles and constitutional order affirm that no region holds a monopoly on political power. Leadership should not be the exclusive preserve of any ethnic or geopolitical group. Rather, it must be earned—through transparency, competence, and broad-based support.
By reframing the 2027 elections as a regional power game, the masterminds of this strategy risk deepening Nigeria’s already sensitive divisions. They may well succeed in securing a second term for the President, but at what cost? A more fragmented, distrustful, and unstable federation is a steep price to pay for political continuity.
In attempting to stitch political power together with regional threads, there is a real danger of tearing the national fabric beyond repair. What Nigeria needs now is not another North-versus-South standoff at the ballot box, but leadership that transcends regionalism—leadership that unites rather than divides.
Ultimately, the true test of leadership is not merely electoral victory, but the ability to heal, build trust, and deliver tangible progress. As 2027 approaches, Nigeria must choose unity over division, and merit. Over maneuvering.
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| STITCHING A FRACTURED FLAG: TINUBU'S SECOND-TERM PUSH AND THE DANGEROUS GAMBLE WITH NIGERIA’S UNITY |
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