2027: North Does Not Need Power, Buhari, El-Rufai, Babachir Failed The Region – Okai-Austin
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, a prominent northern elder statesman has sparked intense debate by declaring that the region should forgo political power at the national level, citing the failures of key figures like former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal. In a bold statement, Alhaji Tanko Okai-Austin, a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), argued that the North’s repeated grip on power has only deepened its socioeconomic woes, urging a shift in strategy to focus on internal development. This controversial position, shared amid rising calls for southern leadership, highlights deepening divisions within the northern political establishment and could reshape electoral dynamics.
Trending: Northern Elders Clash Over 2027 Power Rotation
The statement by Okai-Austin has ignited a firestorm on social media, with hashtags like #North2027 and #BuhariFailed trending on X. Posts reflect a mix of agreement from those frustrated with northern leadership and backlash from loyalists defending Buhari’s legacy. For instance, a viral thread on X debates whether the North should “step back” to allow southern candidates like Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar to lead, while others accuse Okai-Austin of betraying regional interests. The discourse ties into broader conversations about power rotation, economic inequality, and the unfulfilled promises of Buhari’s 2015-2023 tenure, amplifying tensions as the 2027 race heats up.
Key Details of Okai-Austin’s Statement
Alhaji Tanko Okai-Austin, a respected northern elder and ACF chieftain, made the remarks during an interview on a Hausa radio station in Kano on September 7, 2025, ahead of the ACF’s upcoming stakeholders’ meeting. He explicitly stated, “The North does not need power in 2027,” arguing that the region’s leaders, including Buhari, El-Rufai, and Babachir Lawal, had squandered opportunities during their time in power, leaving the North more impoverished and insecure than before. Okai-Austin pointed to persistent issues like banditry, unemployment, and poor infrastructure as evidence of failure, claiming that northern elites prioritized personal gains over regional upliftment.
The elder statesman called on northern governors and traditional rulers to convene and endorse a southern candidate for the presidency, emphasizing that true power lies in economic self-sufficiency rather than political control. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiatives like the Renewed Hope Agenda but warned that without introspection, the North risks perpetual marginalization. The statement was widely circulated on September 8, 2025, via outlets like Naija News, prompting immediate reactions from political circles.
Voices from Officials, Experts, and Critics
Okai-Austin elaborated in his interview: “Buhari, El-Rufai, and Babachir had the chance to transform the North but failed woefully. Power without development is meaningless. The North should step aside in 2027 and focus on rebuilding from within.” His words echo sentiments from other northern voices, like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has criticized Buhari’s economic policies, though Atiku himself is positioning for a 2027 run.
Critics were swift to respond. A spokesperson for the Buhari Support Organisation dismissed Okai-Austin as a “disgruntled element,” stating, “Buhari’s administration invested heavily in northern infrastructure, like the Second Niger Bridge and rail projects—failures are exaggerated by opposition propaganda.” El-Rufai, now a potential 2027 contender, has not directly commented but previously defended his tenure on X, highlighting reforms in education and security. Babachir Lawal, embroiled in past corruption scandals, called the remarks “baseless” in a brief statement, urging unity over division.
Political analyst Dr. Aminu Magashi, speaking to Sahara Reporters, noted: “Okai-Austin’s call is a wake-up for the North, but it risks fracturing the APC’s northern base ahead of 2027. Power rotation has been a sensitive issue since 1999.” On X, user @NorthernVoice2025 posted: “Okai-Austin is right—Buhari’s 8 years brought more poverty to the North. Time to let the South lead!”
Background: Northern Leadership’s Legacy and 2027 Speculations
Nigeria’s political landscape has long been shaped by an informal power rotation between the North and South, a practice aimed at balancing ethnic and regional interests since the return to democracy in 1999. Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, served two terms from 2015 to 2023, promising to tackle corruption, insecurity, and economic stagnation—issues acutely felt in the North. However, his administration faced criticism for rising debt (from N12.6 trillion in 2015 to N77 trillion by 2023), escalating banditry in the northwest, and youth unemployment rates exceeding 50% in northern states.
Nasir El-Rufai, governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, was a key Buhari ally known for bold reforms but also controversial for handling southern Kaduna conflicts and tax hikes. Babachir Lawal, SGF from 2015 to 2017, resigned amid a grass-cutting scandal involving N2.5 billion in contracts, symbolizing alleged northern elite corruption. Okai-Austin, a longtime ACF member, has advocated for northern development since the 1990s, often critiquing elite complacency.
The 2027 elections, with Tinubu (a southerner) ineligible for a second term, have fueled speculation about rotation. Northern figures like El-Rufai and Atiku are eyeing the presidency, while southern candidates push for continuity. Okai-Austin’s intervention aligns with a growing faction within the ACF calling for the North to prioritize internal reforms, such as education and agriculture, over national power grabs.
Possible Impact and Next Steps
Okai-Austin’s declaration could fracture northern unity within the APC, potentially boosting southern candidates and altering party primaries. It may prompt the ACF to issue a formal position at their upcoming meeting, influencing voter sentiment in key northern states like Kano and Kaduna. Economically, it highlights the North’s challenges—home to 60% of Nigeria’s population but only 20% of GDP—possibly spurring demands for federal investments.
Next steps include responses from targeted figures: El-Rufai may address it during his ongoing political tours, while Buhari’s camp could release a defense. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will monitor escalating rhetoric ahead of 2027. Civil society groups like Yiaga Africa urge dialogue to prevent violence, and analysts predict more elders’ forums to debate power rotation. For 2027 aspirants, this could force a rethink on regional alliances.
Conclusion: A Call for Northern Reflection
Alhaji Tanko Okai-Austin’s assertion that the North does not need power in 2027 and that leaders like Buhari, El-Rufai, and Babachir failed the region marks a seismic shift in northern political discourse, challenging long-held assumptions about power rotation. As debates rage, it underscores the urgent need for accountability and development over dominance. For Nigerians, the takeaway is the importance of prioritizing progress for all regions—ensuring that 2027’s elections foster unity and real change rather than entrenched divisions. With the ACF meeting on the horizon, the North’s response will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s future.