Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has stated that the victory of the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2027 election will mark the end of rotational presidency in Nigeria. Sani made this statement on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, emphasizing that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year presidential tenure before power returns to the North. He argued that Atiku has the constitutional right to contest but suggested that political considerations should guide the 2027 contest.
Sani reiterated his stance that southern candidates, including Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and other contenders, should be allowed to compete for the presidency in 2027. He suggested that parties like the ADC should field candidates from the South, allowing them to compete and determine who wins. According to Sani, this approach would ensure fairness and national unity, even though rotational presidency is not provided for in the Constitution.
While acknowledging that rotational presidency is not constitutionally mandated, Sani emphasized its importance for fairness, equity, and peace. He cited historical context, noting that certain considerations not written in the constitution should be considered for national cohesion. Sani argued that political power should not be dominated by one part of the country solely due to population or electoral strength.
Sani referenced the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, during which the South did not mount a serious challenge to his presidency. He noted that despite President Tinubu's challenges from 2015 to 2023, no challenge was raised against Buhari's presidency from the South. Sani believes it would be fair for the South to have its eight-year term, followed by the North's unchallengeable opportunity to produce leadership.
Sani clarified that his position does not prevent Atiku from contesting the 2027 election, as the constitution grants him that right. However, Sani maintained his stance, emphasizing that allowing the South to complete eight years would pave the way for a northerner to take over in 2031 without resistance from the South. He warned that an Atiku victory would end the informal principle of rotational presidency, potentially leading to hard feelings and conflict in the South.
Sani expressed concerns about the implications of a northern president succeeding Tinubu in 2027, citing potential opposition in the South. He noted that the political system is already dealing with several crises and suggested that a northerner taking over power might not be easy for the Southern part of Nigeria. Sani reiterated that allowing the South to have its eight-year term would ensure a smooth transition.
Sani concluded that his view is not about stopping Atiku from contesting but about ensuring fairness and equity in the political system. He emphasized that contestants should come from the Southern part of Nigeria for now, allowing them to complete their tenure before power returns to the North. This approach, Sani believes, would promote national unity and prevent conflicts.
Key points
- Shehu Sani says Atiku Abubakar's 2027 presidential win will end Nigeria's rotational presidency.
- Sani advocates for southern candidates to complete an 8-year presidential tenure before power returns to the North.
- Rotational presidency, though not constitutionally mandated, is considered important for fairness and national unity.
