BREAKING: If Coming From The South Is Advantage, Why Does A Yoruba Man Be The President Not An Edo Man? – Ahmed
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According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, June 4, 2026, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former aide to President Bola Tinubu, has cautioned presidential hopefuls that merely hailing from the northern region of Nigeria does not automatically guarantee them votes from the area in the 2027 elections.
He emphasized that candidates need to consider other critical factors beyond regional identity when seeking electoral support.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed highlighted the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape and voter behavior.
He argued that regional affiliation alone is insufficient to secure widespread backing, urging politicians to engage with broader policy issues and national concerns.
Baba-Ahmed explained that the assumption that northern origin guarantees votes oversimplifies the dynamics of Nigerian politics.
He pointed out that voters are increasingly evaluating candidates based on their track record, vision for the country, and ability to address pressing socio-economic challenges rather than merely their geographic or ethnic background.
He further stressed that political loyalty in the North is not monolithic and can shift depending on how candidates connect with citizens on issues that matter most.
According to him, candidates must avoid relying solely on regional sentiments, as this could lead to disappointment during elections.
During the discussion, Baba-Ahmed drew comparisons with the southern part of Nigeria to illustrate his point.
He noted that if simply being from a particular region is a political advantage, it raises questions about why a Yoruba individual has occupied the presidency for four consecutive years, instead of considering candidates from other southern regions such as Edo State or the South-East.
He argued that this scenario underscores the need for political parties and candidates to adopt inclusive strategies that appeal to voters across multiple regions.
Baba-Ahmed highlighted that understanding and addressing the diverse expectations of Nigeria’s electorate is essential for any presidential contender aiming for success in 2027.
Baba-Ahmed stated: “If coming from the southern part of the country is an advantage, why does it have to be a Yoruba man being President for four years, why not pick Edo man or somebody from the South-East?”
