Sumner Sambo praises North South East political alliance in Nigeria, citing Peter Obi’s Bauchi visit and historic political cooperation patterns
Director of News at Arise Television, Sumner Sambo, has on Friday, April 24, 2026, highlighted what he described as Nigeria’s strongest political tradition, stressing that alliances between the North and South East have historically produced the country’s most stable political arrangements.
Also read: Kwara APC Stakeholders Petition Tinubu Over Party Crisis
Sambo made the remarks while commenting on emerging political engagements involving Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside discussions around their support groups exploring cooperation ahead of future elections.
He referenced Nigeria’s First Republic, noting the political collaboration between Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Tafawa Balewa, as well as the Second Republic partnership involving Alex Ekwueme and Shehu Shagari, as historical examples of effective regional alliances.
According to him, such partnerships reflected a more stable and constructive political culture compared to the current atmosphere of heightened tension and polarised rhetoric.
Sambo also drew attention to Peter Obi’s recent visit to Bauchi State, describing it as politically significant given the scale of delegation and reception compared to previous engagements.
He recalled accompanying Obi during his 2022 nationwide engagements, noting that the Bauchi visit at the time was modest in scale but still symbolically important.
In contrast, he observed that the recent visit featured a larger and more influential delegation, including prominent political figures from the South East, suggesting growing political weight around the former Anambra State governor.
Sambo stated that the reception in Bauchi indicated a potential strengthening of inter-regional dialogue, particularly between the North and South East, which he believes could help ease long-standing political tensions.
He emphasised the importance of mature political engagement, warning against divisive rhetoric that frames national politics in adversarial terms.
According to him, inclusive alliances remain essential for national unity and political stability, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
Also read: Kwara APC Stakeholders Petition Tinubu Over Party Crisis
Sambo concluded that the renewed engagement between political actors across regions reflects an opportunity to rebuild trust and foster cooperation within the country’s democratic space.
