On Arise TV, during an interview, former Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council Director General Akin Osuntokun stressed how crucial it is to take Nigeria's current situation and historical antecedents into account when assessing political contenders.
His remarks emphasized the continuing discussion in the nation's political scene over regional representation and power rotation.
He emphasized that past examples frequently have more weight than other considerations, using President Muhammadu Buhari's initial hesitation to back Bola Tinubu's candidacy inside the APC as an example.
Even though Buhari was not thrilled with Tinubu's desire to become president, most of the players, including powerful governors, supported the long-standing regional power rotation policy, which eventually resulted in Tinubu's candidacy.
He said, "We have to look at the state of the country; that is, the fact that there is a precedence that takes priority over any other consideration."
"President Buhari was not supporting Tinubu to emerge as the presidential candidate of the APC. It was the governors and the majority of the stakeholders who prevailed, saying that you have to honor the rotation thing."
Osuntokun addressed the divisive topic of political representation for the Southeast, arguing that although Nigeria may not owe Peter Obi the president explicitly, there should be a larger obligation to provide equitable representation for the Southeast.
This illustrates a broader necessity for Nigeria's many regions to share political power fairly.
He emphasized, "Nigeria does not owe Obi the presidency, but it owes the Southeast the presidency." The regional mismatch, which has long been a cause of political unrest in Nigeria, was highlighted by Osuntokun.
A video of the interview is available here from 13:48 minutes.