A top Peoples Democratic Party chieftain says President Bola Tinubu could significantly expand his electoral map in 2027.
Segun Sowunmi, speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, June 25, 2026, predicted Tinubu might win about 22 states in the next presidential election. He framed the contest as a two-man race between Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who now fronts the African Democratic Congress.
Despite being in the opposition, Sowunmi said Tinubu is positioned to improve on his 2023 results across several zones. He expects stronger numbers for the president in the South-East, where the ruling party has historically struggled, and solid support in the South-West. He added that the South-South could even outperform the South-East.
In the North, Sowunmi said Tinubu will do “very well” in the North-Central and fare “significantly better” in the North-West than in 2023. He cautioned that victories there may be narrow, but with hard work, 22 states are within reach.
For the North-West specifically, he said outcomes will hinge on powerful local actors and money politics. Using Kano as an example, he noted the influence of figures like Ibrahim Shekarau compared to Abdullahi Ganduje, and the role of major financiers.
Sowunmi based his projections on current alignments, especially moves by governors and other influential politicians ahead of 2027.
However, he urged Nigerians not to fixate only on the next election. He said he is already looking toward 2031 and wants attention on a new generation of leaders who can move the country beyond “recycled elements.”
