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Political leaders in the North are reportedly grappling with a dilemma over which candidate to support in the next presidential election, Sunday Tribune has learnt.

Sources confided in Sunday Tribune on Saturday that rising economic hardship and mounting discontent among the populace, particularly the youth, are contributing to a growing sense of unrest.

It was gathered that some Northern leaders are said to be dissatisfied with the state of the nation, which they believe has disproportionately impacted the North. They reportedly feel let down by President Bola Tinubu?s administration, despite their support in the last election, claiming the North has not reaped the expected benefits.

Concerns linger over the large-scale protests during the #EndBadGovernance movement, which had seen a significant surge in youth-led demonstrations in the region, sparking fears among Northern leaders of a possible repeat scenario.

Although the 2027 general election remained a few years away, Sunday Tribune gathered that Northern elders are proactively scouting for credible candidates to potentially challenge the current leadership. ?Some prominent politicians across the North-West have been meeting and discussing who might be capable of giving President Tinubu a formidable contest in the presidential race,? an anonymous source shared with Sunday Tribune.

Several aides to Northern governors also confirmed these discussions, noting that the 2027 election is a source of concern for many top Northern politicians, including their principals. These politicians are reportedly weighing the risks of opposing President Tinubu after their involvement in his 2023 victory.

Another challenge for Northern leaders is selecting a candidate who would be broadly accepted in the North while accounting for likely opposition tactics, such as emphasizing zoning and Southern interests.

?They [Northern leaders] believe the best approach is to back a prominent Southern politician,? a source explained, ?yet they worry about finding someone from the South who could match President Tinubu in personality and financial strength.?

Though no formal decisions have been made, sources say a shortlist of candidates is emerging, including potential running mates.

?A credible person from the North-West is likely to be chosen as the running mate,? one source noted, revealing that Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, and Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal are among the considered names.

?For now, Northern politicians are still in search of a reputable candidate for 2027. Many, however, are unlikely to support the current administration again,? the source concluded, indicating that political maneuvering in the North is far from settled.

In addition to concerns over the current administration?s effectiveness, Northern leaders are reportedly wary of the potential backlash from their constituents if they continue supporting President Tinubu in 2027.

With youth unemployment, inflation, and insecurity affecting the Northern region disproportionately, leaders feared that endorsing an unchanged leadership could alienate the younger generation. (Sunday Tribune: Text, Excluding Headline)

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