“They’re Reminding Him Now”: Sobowale Unpacks the Political Weight Behind Tinubu’s ‘Emilokan’ Declaration

Political analyst Dr. Dayo Sobowale has offered new perspective on the bold political statement made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, explaining how his popular “Emilokan” slogan was not only a personal assertion but also a calculated challenge to Northern dominance in Nigerian politics.

Speaking on Arise News, Sobowale explained that Tinubu was fully aware of the historical influence held by Northern elites in determining Nigeria’s leadership and used his slogan—Emilokan, meaning “It’s my turn”—as a way to strategically counter that power structure.

“Later Tinubu boldly, I dare say and audaciously too, said ‘Emilokan,’ they listened to him and they put him there,” Sobowale said, noting that the declaration resonated with political stakeholders and played a major role in winning him the presidency.

He emphasized that Tinubu’s message sent a clear signal to power brokers that it was time for leadership to rotate, and this direct approach helped rally crucial support.

However, Sobowale also pointed out that those who helped make Tinubu’s presidency a reality—especially from the North—are now subtly reminding him of the conditions under which they supported him.

“But I’m sure they are trying to remind him now that for us in the North, but for the Muslim-Muslim ticket, you wouldn’t be there. And that’s what he said in so many words,” he added.

Sobowale’s comments highlight the political undercurrents still in play as Tinubu settles into power, with many watching closely to see how he manages the expectations tied to the alliances that helped him secure victory—particularly the sensitive North-South dynamics.