President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to be tightening his political grip on Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone, a region that has increasingly become a decisive factor in national elections. Recent political appointments and evolving alliances suggest that Tinubu is consciously strengthening his base in the zone—possibly as part of a broader strategy to offset waning influence in parts of the core North.
From the appointment of Senator George Akume, a former governor of Benue State, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), to the elevation of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda from Plateau State as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and most recently, the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu’s pattern of selection reveals a deliberate concentration of power and influence within the North Central corridor.
These key positions—SGF, APC National Chairmanship, and INEC Chairmanship—are among the most politically sensitive in the country, each crucial in shaping administrative coordination, party direction, and electoral management. By placing trusted allies from Benue, Plateau, and Kogi in these roles, Tinubu may be sending a clear message: the North Central zone will serve as a pivotal anchor for his 2027 re-election strategy.
A Shift from the Core North
Observers believe Tinubu’s growing focus on the North Central reflects a quiet recalibration of political trust. The core northern states—notably Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Borno—have shown mixed loyalties since the 2023 elections. Many northern political elites and blocs remain divided, especially over Tinubu’s perceived deviation from traditional northern power structures.
Faced with this reality, Tinubu seems to be turning to the North Central—a region with deep historical ties to both the North and the South—as a bridge of stability and loyalty. Unlike the more politically rigid core North, the North Central’s diversity and relative openness make it a fertile ground for building cross-regional consensus.
The Balancing Game: South West and South South Confidence
Tinubu’s confidence in his traditional South West base remains firm, bolstered by his enduring influence in Lagos and across Yoruba-dominated states. Similarly, his administration’s infrastructure and development push in the South South, including energy and port reforms, suggest he is determined to make inroads in a zone traditionally dominated by the opposition.
However, political analysts argue that no presidential strategy can ignore the North’s numerical strength. Hence, the North Central, with its blend of loyalty, accessibility, and electoral weight, offers Tinubu both a political buffer and a strategic fallback.
Conclusion: A Calculated Regional Realignment
Tinubu’s appointments from Benue, Plateau, and Kogi are not mere coincidences; they reflect a deliberate realignment aimed at redefining northern political dynamics and consolidating support where trust and cooperation appear strongest.
By elevating key figures from the North Central into positions of national significance, the President is laying the groundwork for a broader regional alliance that could prove decisive in the next election cycle. Whether this strategy successfully offsets his challenges in the core North remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the North Central is fast becoming the new political heartbeat of Tinubu’s presidency.
