A prominent Yoruba leader and public affairs commentator, Dr. Oyedele Oyewumi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a more inclusive political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections by considering a Hausa/Fulani running mate while supporting the emergence of a Senate President from the South-East.
Oyewumi made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos, stressing that such a political configuration would reinforce national unity, strengthen the country’s federal character, and promote a greater sense of belonging among Nigeria’s major ethnic groups.
He said his position aligns with the recent remarks by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who cautioned that Nigeria must never be allowed to descend into another civil war, warning that several of the underlying conditions that culminated in the 1967–1970 conflict still persist within the nation’s institutions and among its people.
According to Oyewumi, President Tinubu has demonstrated courage and determination in pursuing reforms aimed at advancing Nigeria’s development, adding that history presents the President with another opportunity to further cement his legacy through deliberate actions that foster 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,” he said.
He argued that picking a Hausa/Fulani as the Vice Presidential candidate while zoning the office of the Senate President to the South-East would reflect the tripod nature of Nigeria and reassure all sections of the country that they remain important stakeholders in the nation’s democratic project.
Oyewumi further urged President Tinubu to rise above past political differences and embrace a broader spirit of 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 stated.
The Yoruba leader maintained that political inclusiveness remains one of the most effective tools for preserving peace, reducing ethnic tensions, and deepening confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He expressed optimism that if President Tinubu embraces a more balanced political arrangement that reflects the country’s diversity, future generations would remember him as one of Nigeria’s most courageous and unifying leaders.
“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,” Oyewumi concluded.
