Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has warned that the informal practice of rotating the presidency between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions could collapse if African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Atiku Abubakar wins the 2027 election. Sani argued that a victory for a northern candidate in 2027 would disrupt the established political balance and potentially trigger significant regional tension.
Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Friday, Sani contended that political parties should prioritize fielding southern candidates for the upcoming presidential race. He stated, “If Atiku wins, it means that is the end of rotational presidency in Nigeria, and there is going to be hard and bitter feelings from the southern part of Nigeria.” He further cautioned that no leader would want to preside over a nation characterized by hate, animosity, and conflict, noting that the current political system is already managing numerous crises.
Sani emphasized that a northern figure assuming power in 2027 would not be welcomed easily by the southern populace. He proposed a timeline where the South is allowed its eight-year tenure first, allowing a northerner to take over in 2031 without challenge. “I don’t think a northerner taking over power here will come in with ease and conveniently to the people in the southern part of Nigeria,” he said, adding that this sequence would ensure a smoother transition of power.
While advocating for southern representation, Sani clarified that he does not believe the Constitution restricts Atiku or any other northerner from contesting the presidency. “I never said Atiku should not run. Constitutionally, he has a right to run for any election,” Sani explained. His position, he noted, is based on the principle that the South should be permitted its eight-year tenure, mirroring the period from 2015 to 2023 when the North held the office.
Sani specifically called on opposition parties to nominate southern leaders, suggesting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should field Peter Obi and the African Progressive Movement (APM) should field Babajide Makinde. He urged the South to “struggle it out” to determine its winner for a four-year term, after which the North would have an unchallengeable opportunity to provide national leadership in 2031.
“You cannot say that because you have the largest electorate and population, so you should continue dominating politics,” Sani said, rejecting the argument that demographic size should guarantee prolonged control of the presidency.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
