Demola Olarewaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has revisited the power dynamics that shaped the 2023 general elections, noting that some northern political elites broke ranks to support the eventual victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Olarewaju said that while many northern stakeholders were reluctant to openly endorse a southern candidate, then Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai played a decisive role in backing Tinubu’s ambition.
In his words: “El-Rufai was the only person who came out openly from the North and said power must go to Tinubu. Others were cautious, some worked silently, but El-Rufai made his position clear and stood firmly by it.”
Olarewaju explained that El-Rufai’s decision was significant because it signaled a break from the long-standing perception that northern politicians would always prioritize retaining power in their region. According to him, this move helped consolidate Tinubu’s support within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and reassured southern leaders who feared betrayal at the last minute.
He, however, contrasted this with the approach of Atiku Abubakar, who he described as a democrat that has consistently respected party structures and the principles of internal democracy. Olarewaju maintained that Atiku’s broad national network remains unmatched, adding that even when political actors switch loyalties, Atiku’s goodwill ensures he retains relevance.
He concluded that El-Rufai’s gamble in 2023 may have worked in Tinubu’s favor, but the long-term implications of such alignments will be tested as Nigeria approaches another election cycle in 2027.