The recent political dynamics in Nigeria have seen intriguing moves and reactions, especially following Atiku Abubakar’s visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, visited Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, accompanied by prominent PDP figures including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. Atiku described the visit as a ‘Sallah homage,’ a traditional visit during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.
Doyin Okupe, who was the Director General of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign, interpreted Atiku’s visit as a significant political maneuver. Okupe suggested that such moves could only be fully understood by seasoned political strategists, implying that the visit could have broader implications for regional politics, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He hinted at the possibility of regional interests playing a crucial role in the 2027 elections .
Okupe’s perspective comes amid his own political controversies. He has faced backlash for shifting his support to President Bola Tinubu, who he now describes as the best candidate in the 2023 election. Okupe noted that much of the criticism against him seems to come from a specific ethnic group, questioning whether this is a coincidence. He emphasized his stance as a nationalist, stating that his initial support for Peter Obi was based on the principle that a southerner should succeed Buhari, regardless of regional affiliations .
This series of events highlights the complex and often regionally influenced nature of Nigerian politics. Atiku’s visit to Buhari, interpreted by Okupe as a strategic move, underscores the ongoing political realignments and the anticipation of future electoral battles in Nigeria.
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