Senator Daniel Bwala, a former lawmaker, has posited that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has his best opportunity to become Nigeria’s president only in 2039. Bwala’s argument is based on the expected political sequence and rotation of power in Nigeria.
According to Bwala, President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to serve two full terms, lasting eight years. Following Tinubu’s tenure, the presidency is expected to shift to the northern region for another eight years before returning to the southern region in 2039.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Bwala explained that by the time power returns to the south, Peter Obi will be 79 years old. At that point, Obi’s campaign would need to pivot from emphasizing his youth to highlighting his experience and capabilities. Bwala also noted that the current youth advocating for Obi would likely be older by then, altering their campaign narratives.
Bwala’s statement read:
“Peter Obi’s chance to become Nigeria’s president will likely come in 2039 when he turns 79. By then, his campaign would shift from ‘vote for the younger candidate’ to ‘vote for experience and capacity.’ This prediction is based on President Tinubu completing two terms, followed by an eight-year northern presidency, before power returns south. Current youth supporters of Obi will then be considered elders.”
This insight from Bwala underscores the long-term strategic considerations in Nigeria’s political landscape, suggesting a distant yet possible future for Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions.
