Akinjide: Northern Electorate To Favor Atiku Over Tinubu

By G9ija

Chief Jumoke Akinjide, a former minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, has challenged the notion that the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, enjoys widespread support in the Northern part of the country.

In her view, this support is limited to the governors in the APC and that the Northern electorate would instead vote for Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate.

In an interview with newsmen, Chief Jumoke Akinjide emphasized the strong chances of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate, in the upcoming election.

She also suggested that the Northern electorate may view Tinubu as a benefactor rather than a viable candidate.

“I don’t think so. The North-East, for example, is solidly behind their candidate because they have never had the presidency. And if El-Rufai thinks that the North owes Tinubu, I think the North-West also feels it owes the North-East because every president has come from the North-West, whether it is Shehu Shagari or Umar Yar’Adua or even Buhari.

“I think the people in the North are supporting Atiku. The governors may be supporting Tinubu. At the end of the day, it is the people’s will that will prevail,” she said.

Additionally, the former minister pointed out that the Northern governors do not hold the power to dictate the outcome of the election in the North.

Instead, she emphasized the influence of the elders and religious leaders in the region. Citing a former governor of Sokoto State, she suggested that it is these groups that will have a significant impact on the election results in the North.

Furthermore, Chief Jumoke Akinjide referred to Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate, as the rightful choice of the Northern region. She praised Atiku’s democratic values and beliefs, adding that he is a true democrat.

“And, honestly, I feel the North has thrown up the best candidate in Atiku in terms of experience, demonstrated commitment to democracy.

“Atiku left government in 2007 and he has been vying for office of the presidency and has not held the reins of power in Adamawa and has not been deciding who will be governor in Adamawa. He has not dipped his hand in the financial pocket of Adamawa.” She added.