President Bola Tinubu has been advised to adopt a more inclusive political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections by choosing a Hausa/Fulani vice-presidential candidate and supporting the emergence of a Senate President from the South-East.
The recommendation was made on Thursday in Lagos by public affairs commentator and Yoruba leader, Oyedele Oyewumi. He argued that the proposed arrangement would strengthen national unity, uphold the federal character principle and foster a stronger sense of belonging among Nigeria’s major ethnic groups.
Oyewumi said the proposal aligns with recent comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who cautioned that Nigeria must avoid conditions that could trigger another civil war, noting that some of the factors that led to the 1967–1970 conflict still persist.
According to him, Tinubu has shown courage in implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the country and now has an opportunity to consolidate his legacy by embracing policies and political decisions that promote national inclusion.
“The President has shown remarkable courage in taking difficult decisions in the interest of the country, and we will continue to encourage him to do even more. As we approach another electoral cycle, there is a need to consciously strengthen the bonds of national unity through equitable political representation,” Oyewumi said.
He maintained that appointing a Hausa/Fulani vice-presidential candidate while zoning the office of the Senate President to the South-East would better reflect Nigeria’s ethnic diversity and reassure different regions of their place in the country’s democratic process.
Oyewumi also called on the President to set aside past political differences and embrace reconciliation.
“He should forgive whatever shortcomings may have existed on the part of the Hausa/Fulani and the Igbo people and look beyond previous political disagreements. Leadership demands magnanimity, especially at critical moments in the nation’s history. This is an opportunity to heal old wounds and reinforce national cohesion,” he said.
He stressed that inclusive political representation remains one of the most effective ways to preserve peace, reduce ethnic tensions and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Oyewumi expressed confidence that a more balanced political structure reflecting the country’s diversity would cement Tinubu’s place in history as a leader remembered not only for economic reforms but also for promoting national unity, justice and fairness.
“If the President hearkens to this advice and takes deliberate steps to balance the nation’s political leadership in a manner that accommodates all major blocs, history will remember him as one of the greatest leaders Nigeria has produced. His legacy will not only be measured by economic reforms but also by his commitment to national unity, justice, and fairness,” he added.
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