TD I have been involved in presidential campaigns at the highest level in Nigeria for over two decades.
It has always been an Abuja-centred structure, with major party bigwigs trying to outsmart one another in Abuja.
Hotels are usually fully booked, and getting yourself appointed State Coordinator of a presidential campaign is always a gold mine.
People engage in all manner of intrigues to secure the position.
Even states with sitting governors still get State Coordinators appointed.
However, in this 2027 campaign season, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has consistently told Nigerians that his removal of fuel subsidy made more cash available to the governors, appears to have transferred responsibility for his victory to the respective governors who claim to support him.
The implication, as I see it, is that campaign funds would come largely from the states, rather than through the usual practice of the presidential candidate becoming the “Disbursement-in-Chief” in Abuja.
I must warn the opposition that the campaigns have started in earnest.
They are taking place right at the state level, and this could prove a lot more effective.
The respective leaders would market the APC in their states with their own faces, rather than that of the President.
In Imo State, and even in Enugu, supporters of the governors could perceive a vote for Asiwaju as proof of support for their governors.
The presidential election could therefore become, in their eyes, a test of loyalty to the governor.
This would mark a massive change in the dynamics we witnessed in 2023.
People must take note and re-strategise accordingly.
Someone from Ukpor has suddenly started supporting the APC on the excuse that APGA’s survival depends on it.
That tells its own story.
Support for Asiwaju is being presented as necessary for the survival of another party.
The opposition must have a response to this.
Obunike Ohaegbu, NDC aspirant for Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, writes from his village in Ukpor, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State.
