A fresh political debate has emerged following remarks made by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, urging northern politicians to hold off on seeking the presidency until 2031.
Prominent northern leaders, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have strongly dismissed this call, stressing that no single individual can dictate the region’s political direction.
According to the ACF, the North cannot be forced into supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, as governance should be determined by democratic choice rather than personal loyalty.
Ganduje had made the statement at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja while receiving members of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum.
He argued that political balance and fairness demand that Tinubu complete two terms, just as former President Muhammadu Buhari did.
“When a leader from the North was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president should come from the South.
Fortunately, with the support of Nigerians, our president is now from the South, and by Allah’s will, he will secure a second term in 2027.
After that, it will be the North’s turn,” Ganduje stated.
However, these remarks have sparked controversy, with critics warning that such an approach could deepen political divisions within the party.
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared to oppose Ganduje’s position by sharing a post titled “2027: South West, Tinubu’s Supporters Playing with Fire – Part 1.”
The post suggested that Tinubu’s relationship with the North has significantly weakened and that failing to address northern concerns could lead to a repeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s fate in 2015.
Furthermore, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, rejected Ganduje’s stance, describing it as an attempt to demand loyalty rather than uphold democratic principles.
“The presidency has become a sort of personality cult, demanding total allegiance. Those close to power may express such views, but they are not constitutionally binding,” he remarked.
He further emphasized that voters are growing wiser and will decide based on policies rather than regional agreements.
“We were sold a dummy of anti-corruption in 2015. In 2023, Renewed Hope came, but the hope is turning into a nightmare,” he added.
Meanwhile, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, has aligned with El-Rufai’s views, stating, “El-Rufai is not saying anything different from what I have been saying all this while.
The only difference is that he is talking for the North while I talk for the whole country.”
As tensions continue to rise within the APC, concerns have been raised that sidelining a particular region could lead to further division, weakening the party’s chances in 2027.
