Kaduna Central senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Shehu Sani, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's victory in the 2027 presidential election would bring an end to rotational presidency in Nigeria. In an interview with Channels Television's Politics Today, Sani expressed concerns that such an outcome could lead to bitter feelings and conflicts in the Southern part of the country. He emphasized that no one would want to preside over a nation filled with hate and animosity.
Sani's comments come after his recent suggestion that the 2027 presidential candidate should be a Southern candidate, allowing the South to complete its eight-year tenure before power rotates to the North in 2031. However, he clarified that his position should not be misinterpreted as asking Atiku not to run for the presidency, as he has the constitutional right to do so. Sani stressed that his statement was aimed at promoting fairness and equity in the selection of presidential candidates.
The APC chieftain maintained that rotational presidency, although not enshrined in the constitution, is essential for promoting justice, fairness, and peace in the country. He argued that the major political parties should have fielded Southern presidential candidates, citing examples such as the ADC fielding Amaechi, the NDC fielding Peter Obi, and the APM fielding Makinde. According to Sani, this would have allowed the South to contest and determine its own leadership.
Sani reiterated that he never opposed Atiku's potential candidacy, but rather advocated for the South to be given the opportunity to produce a president. He emphasized that Atiku's participation in the election is his constitutional right, and that the South should be allowed to have its eight-year tenure in office. This, Sani believes, would promote equity and fairness in the distribution of power.
The rotational presidency system has been a topic of debate in Nigeria, with some arguing that it promotes national unity and stability, while others see it as a limitation on the democratic process. Sani's comments have sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some agreeing that the system is necessary for promoting fairness and others arguing that it is not enshrined in the constitution.
Atiku Abubakar has not publicly responded to Sani's comments, but his campaign has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. The 2027 presidential election is expected to be a highly contested one, with various candidates vying for the top spot. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Nigeria's democracy and its system of governance.
As the debate on rotational presidency continues, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the major political parties respond to Sani's comments and the implications for the 2027 presidential election. The conversation is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issue.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar's 2027 presidential win would end Nigeria's rotational presidency.
- Shehu Sani advocates for the South to produce a president in 2027.
- Rotational presidency promotes justice, fairness, and peace in Nigeria, according to Sani.
