Nigeria’s former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Waziri Bulama, has emphasized the importance of regional alliances in winning the presidency. In an interview on Arise Television, Bulama stated that no single region can produce a president without cooperation from other parts of the country. He cited Nigeria’s diverse population as a key factor, highlighting the need for democratic stability through inter-regional collaboration.
Bulama’s remarks were in response to comments made by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who suggested that the North would play a decisive role in determining the next president. Bulama countered that a northerner, or anyone from a single region, cannot win the presidency without support from other areas. He used the example of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who, despite having a significant voter base, needed to form alliances with other regions to secure his election wins.
Bulama explained that Buhari’s success was not solely due to his popularity in the North, but also because his campaign connected with citizens across the country, creating a broader movement. He also noted that when individuals join a political party, they are expected to set aside local identities, such as tribe, region, or religion, and instead adopt the party’s collective values and goals.
The significance of Bulama’s statement lies in its emphasis on the need for national unity and cooperation in Nigeria’s democratic process. As the country navigates its complex political landscape, his comments highlight the importance of building alliances and fostering a sense of national identity. By recognizing the diversity of Nigeria’s population and the need for inter-regional cooperation, Bulama’s remarks underscore the challenges and opportunities facing the country’s political leaders as they work towards a more stable and inclusive democracy.
