By Lateef Ibrahim
Political commentator and former PDP presidential campaign spokesman, Segun Sowunmi , has projected a mixed electoral outlook for President ahead of the 2027 presidential election, predicting strong performances in several regions but potential difficulties in parts of northern Nigeria.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, monitored in Abuja, Sowunmi argued that Tinubu is likely to improve on his 2023 electoral performance in key parts of the country, particularly in the Southeast, South-South, North-Central and Northwest.
According to him, the president could secure victories in as many as 22 states if current political alignments and power structures remain unchanged.
He noted that the APC may record better results in the Southeast than it has traditionally achieved, while the South-South could emerge as an even stronger base of support for the president.
Sowunmi also expressed confidence that Tinubu would maintain dominance in the Southwest and improve his standing across parts of the North-Central and Northwest regions due to shifting political alliances and the influence of key political figures.
However, he suggested that the president’s biggest challenge could come from sections of the North, where opposition forces may remain competitive.
Despite this, he argued that several influential politicians and power brokers who previously supported opposition candidates have either changed political camps or lost influence.
Using Katsina and Kano states as examples, Sowunmi pointed to evolving political dynamics, including defections and realignments among prominent northern politicians, as factors that could favour the ruling APC.
The political analyst also maintained that the 2027 presidential contest is most likely to be dominated by a familiar rivalry between President Tinubu and former Vice President .
He dismissed suggestions that other contenders would significantly alter the fundamental structure of the race, insisting that the battle for the presidency would ultimately revolve around the two seasoned politicians.
His remarks come as political parties and major stakeholders continue consultations and alliance-building efforts ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 general election.
