Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu must have summoned so much courage before he could come out to say that he will like to lead the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But his ambition may be dead on arrival unless he woo the northern elite.
To state a fact, the All Progressives Congress is far more prominent and powerful in northern Nigeria than the southern zone. The number of states under the APC in north is more than the south. That means the northern elite hold so much power in the ruling party. On this basis, Kalu should woo them.
The most important way is for him to be identified with the core northerners in the northwest zone. He can choose his running mate from that region as a matter of fact. If he considers Mr. Nasir El-Rufai, things may be easier.
It’s is obvious that Bola Tinubu has spread his very wide tentacles to Kano and Katsina. And it may be difficult for Kalu to hijack the two states from the APC national leader. The next option will be to consider Mr. Nasir El-Rufai.
Even some analysts believe that El-Rufai can stand shoulder to shoulder against Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The two of them may not go head to head in any poll, but El-Rufai isn’t a fearful politician to bow before Tinubu.
It is highly possible for the large northern elite to consider Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu if he uses this particular approach. In fact, Kalu stands a better chance because he can easily pick any northern Muslim as his running mate. Where Tinubu will face an ordeal in this sense.
The second approach that Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu can make is to have a deal with the top sociocultural organisations in the northern region. There are very many groups in the zone. But the likes of Arewa Consultative Forum and the Northern Elders have so much credibility.
Recall that Mr. Tanko Yakasai recently opened up on his personally preferred aspirant. He chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Then, Orji Uzor Kalu should have taken some clues from this. He can also visit top leaders of the ACF and NEF either individually or collectively.
Note that most of the leaders of the Arewa Consultative Forum and Northern Elders Forum belong to one party or the other. Then, if he approached them, he has automatically consulted party’s leaders as well.
