Politics is frequently viewed as a numbers game. As a result, any area vying for the top spot in the country should engage in national politics, since a geopolitical region in opposition would have to work harder to get the coveted position. Political permutations in a multi-party democracy are built on participation and developing the necessary bridges across all potential dichotomies, not on drumming up passions. The South-east may be endowed with tremendous corporate acumen, but a lack of political savvy is the scourge of its political success.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has talked to a lot of elders and kings, especially in the north and south-west of Nigeria, since he announced that he was running for president. This is to make people aware of his presidential plans. People have wondered why, despite Tinubu’s tour of the country, he has never paid a visit to any of the country’s south-south or south-east rulers or elders. Tinubu may have only seen Nigeria’s south-west and north-west as maps.
Why might Tinubu not have consulted any elders or kings in the south-south and south-east?
To begin with, it may not be prudent to consult the people of the South-South and South-East to increase awareness at this time, as many people in these states have opposite opinions on the upcoming election. Many of these individuals and organizations, such as Ohanaeze and PANDEF, feel that the South West will not provide the next president. They feel that the true test of equality and fairness is to let the South South finish their eight years in office or to give the South-East a shot at the presidency for the first time in over 50 years.
Apart from that, Tinubu may appear to be focusing on securing his party’s heartland first before going on to the south and south-east, where the APC has minimal support and few governors. Even among these governors, one has already confirmed his candidacy, and people like Rochas Okorocha and others have a tremendous grip on the others. If Tinubu were to come here for consultation, it would be after the primary election, when the flag bearer has already been determined.
