Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has the constitutional right to contest the 2027 presidential election. However, Sani warned that Atiku's victory would bring an end to the informal rotational presidency in Nigeria. He made these comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Sani argued that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure, just like the North did from 2015 to 2023. He emphasized that he never said Atiku should not run, but rather that the southern part of Nigeria should have its eight-year tenure in office. Sani named Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as possible southern contenders for the presidency.
The former lawmaker suggested that southern aspirants should be allowed to compete for the presidency, and the winner should serve a four-year term. He stated that when the tenure is done by 2031, the North shall have its unchallengeable opportunity to produce leadership of the country. Sani acknowledged that rotation is not written in the Constitution but said it should be respected for justice, fairness, equity, and national stability.
Sani cited the example of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served eight years without serious challenge from the South. He stressed that the same principle should apply to President Bola Tinubu’s South-West zone. Sani emphasized that his stance was not an attempt to bar Atiku from the race, but rather to ensure that the rotational presidency is maintained.
According to Sani, the Constitution has not stopped Atiku from contesting the election, and he can contest if he chooses to. However, Sani reiterated his position that Atiku's victory would mean the end of rotational presidency in Nigeria. He warned that such an outcome could trigger resentment in the South.
Sani maintained that allowing the South to complete its tenure would pave the way for an uncontested northern presidency in 2031. He added that if the South is allowed to have its eight-year term, by 2031, a Northerner will take over, and there will be no challenge from the Southern part of Nigeria.
Sani's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the rotational presidency in Nigeria. He stressed that there are things that are not written in the Constitution, but in the interest of justice, fairness, equity, and peace, they need to be considered. The issue of rotational presidency remains a contentious topic in Nigerian politics.
Key points
- Shehu Sani says Atiku Abubakar has the right to contest the 2027 presidential election but warns his victory would end Nigeria's informal rotational presidency.
- Sani argues that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure, just like the North did from 2015 to 2023.
- Sani suggests that southern aspirants should be allowed to compete for the presidency, and the winner should serve a four-year term.
