Northern Sentiment Against Atiku Could Weaken His 2027 Chances, Says Analyst Maxwell Opara

Lawyer and political analyst Maxwell Opara has raised concerns that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may face growing resistance from parts of northern Nigeria over his 2027 presidential ambition, warning that emerging zoning sentiments could significantly affect his political prospects.

Opara made the remarks during an appearance on Arise News on June 1, 2026, where he analyzed shifting political dynamics ahead of the next general election and the evolving calculations within opposition parties. Watch video Here.

According to him, a noticeable section of political voices in the North are increasingly uncomfortable with Atiku’s renewed bid for the presidency, arguing that power rotation principles should be respected in the interest of national balance.

He explained that this sentiment is largely driven by the belief that the South should be allowed to complete its perceived political cycle before the presidency returns to the North.

“A lot of people from the North have something against his emergence, saying, ‘No, let us allow the South to complete its eight years,’” Opara said.

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