A northern political figure, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against relying on governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver electoral victories, urging him instead to engage directly with voters ahead of future elections.
Saidu, a known supporter of the President, also faulted reported moves within the party suggesting that APC governors should determine candidates for elective positions in their states, describing the approach as undemocratic and politically risky.
He said such a strategy could undermine internal democracy and weaken the party’s chances at the polls.
According to him, the APC risks electoral setbacks if it depends heavily on governors, many of whom he claimed do not have strong political control in their states despite public perception.
“They say people should go to governors for approval. That may not work well for the APC. From my observation across the North, many governors are not as firmly in control as they appear,” he said.
Saidu urged the ruling party to strengthen internal democracy and focus more on building direct relationships with the electorate rather than relying on political office holders.
He added that the President should be strategic in choosing political allies, stressing that loyalty alone should not replace electoral realities.
The Arewa leader also said his comments were driven by concern for the success of the administration, noting that many of the challenges being attributed to the current government were inherited.
He further argued that opposition influence remains strong in some regions, particularly in the South-East, where he said the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, still commands significant followership.
Saidu also referenced political dynamics in Rivers State, noting that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remains a dominant figure in the state’s politics.
He said similar influence structures were not as strong among several APC governors in the South-East, warning that this could affect the party’s performance if not properly addressed.
“The focus should be on the voters in the North and the East. That is where real political strength lies,” he added.
Saidu maintained that President Tinubu should adopt broader outreach strategies that prioritise grassroots engagement over elite political structures, if the party hopes to secure victory in future elections.
