In a recent interview with The Sun, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, a former lawmaker representing Kabba/Bunu Ijumu Federal Constituency in the Ninth Assembly, cautioned Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, against pursuing his 2027 presidential ambitions with the support of Atiku Abubakar. Yusuf suggested that aligning with Atiku could be detrimental to Obi’s political future. He emphasized the importance of strategic alliances and warned that a misstep in this regard could undermine Obi’s chances in the next presidential election.
Yusuf also addressed the internal dynamics within the People's Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that the party’s path to regaining power lies in addressing the perceived injustices of 2015. He advocated for a return of power to the South, indicating that this move would rectify the imbalance created when power shifted to the North with Muhammadu Buhari’s election. According to Yusuf, realigning the party’s leadership to reflect regional balance is crucial for the PDP’s success in future elections.
Critiquing President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, Yusuf rated the administration’s performance as below average. He particularly highlighted the controversial fuel subsidy removal policy, which he believes has negatively impacted the country’s economy. Yusuf’s criticism extends to other aspects of Tinubu’s governance, suggesting that the administration’s policies have not met the expectations of the populace, thereby undermining public confidence.
Reflecting on the PDP’s strategy, Yusuf noted that a merger had previously enabled the APC to emerge as a formidable opposition, eventually leading to its victory in 2015. He hinted at the potential benefits of a similar strategy for the PDP. However, he also pointed out the contentious zoning of the party’s chairmanship, which was aimed at ensuring a southern presidential candidate. This move faced significant opposition from within the party, highlighting the ongoing challenges the PDP faces in achieving internal cohesion and presenting a unified front in future elections.
He said: But the legality is that Buhari was declared. I might be wrong, but I believe Atiku won the election in 2023. The North has had eight years with Buhari and so PDP in his wisdom, zoned chairmanship to the North so that the presidential candidate will come from the South. People who wanted to contest vehemently opposed that zoning of chairmanship position.