The controversy over Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is heating up, with Northern political leaders divided on whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should seek re-election or if power should return to the region.
While APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje insists that the North must wait until 2031 before reclaiming the presidency, critics argue that the party should not impose a predetermined outcome.
Former Arewa Consultative Forum Secretary-General Anthony Sani defended Ganduje’s position, stating that Northern APC governors played a key role in supporting Tinubu’s presidency based on the principle of power rotation. “Democracy allows free competition, but Ganduje’s comments are still valid,” he said.
In contrast, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman of the Northern Elders Forum dismissed zoning concerns, emphasizing that leadership should be about competence rather than regional loyalty. “Buhari’s tenure did not meet expectations. Instead of fixating on zoning, we should focus on leadership that can tackle poverty, insecurity, and economic decline,” he stated.
Kano’s NNPP Chairman, Hashimu Dungurawa, warned that Ganduje’s comments could alienate Northern voters who are already discontent with the economic hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies. “His call for patience until 2031 might push Northerners to reject Tinubu,” he said.
As the debate rages on, political analysts warn that any attempt to impose a candidate could deepen political resentment and fuel divisions ahead of the next election.
