Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has expressed his support for the rotational presidency, emphasizing that the position should remain in the South for the next four years. Speaking in Kano, Yusuf explained that this stance aligns with an agreement between political elites from both the North and South. He stressed that allowing each region to complete two terms would provide sufficient time for an administration to implement major policies and development projects.
Yusuf's comments come amid growing agitation from opposition parties for a power shift to the North in 2027. Despite this, the governor insisted that the presidency must remain in the South for a second term, allowing President Bola Ahmad Tinubu to complete his term. Yusuf argued that this would enable the South to fulfill its two-term cycle before power returns to the North in 2031. He urged Northern elites to support Tinubu's re-election, citing the president's contributions to the region's development.
The governor made these remarks while receiving 50 branded saloon vehicles donated by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, to support Tinubu's campaign in Kano. Yusuf disclosed that his position on rotational presidency is in line with the agreement between the political elites, which should not be abandoned after former President Muhammadu Buhari completed his eight-year term. He called on political stakeholders, particularly in the North, to exercise patience and allow the current arrangement to run its course.
Yusuf emphasized that rotational presidency promotes fairness, national cohesion, and a sense of belonging among Nigerians. He urged politicians and parties to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, focusing on policies and development plans rather than personal attacks. The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to peaceful democratic engagement and urged stakeholders to prioritize the unity, peace, and development of Kano State and Nigeria.
High Chief Ekpemupolo, represented by Kestin Pondi, supported Yusuf's stance, stating that opposition parties should realize that there is "no vacancy in Aso-Rock until 2031." Ekpemupolo charged Nigerians not to be misled by opposition party candidates claiming to have spent four years in office if voted into power. He praised Tinubu for restoring dignity to the nation's economy and spreading development across the country, urging Northerners to vote for him based on his contributions to infrastructural development in the region.
APC Chairman in Kano, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, assured Ekpemupolo that the party would deploy the donated vehicles to support groups and grassroots mobilizers to galvanize votes for the president. Doguwa asserted that the APC is prepared to harvest massive support for all APC candidates in the next year's election, noting that the ruling party would maintain an issue-based campaign to defeat opposition parties in the state.
Yusuf's advocacy for rotational presidency and support for Tinubu's re-election has sparked reactions from various stakeholders. While some have welcomed his stance, others have expressed concerns about the implications of rotational presidency on Nigeria's democratic development. As the 2027 general elections approach, Yusuf's position is likely to influence the debate on power rotation and the presidency.
Key points
- Governor Yusuf supports rotational presidency, backing President Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
- Yusuf advocates for the presidency to remain in the South for a second term, allowing Tinubu to complete his term.
- The governor urges politicians and parties to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
