Shehu Sani Urges 2027 Race Limited to Tinubu, Obi, Southern Candidates
Former federal lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani stated that the 2027 presidential contest should be limited to President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi and other southern candidates, arguing that the south should complete an eight‑year tenure before the north returns to power. In a post on X, Sani said the arrangement is not constitutional but equitable, warning that those who reject the rotation principle in 2027 will see it disregarded in 2031 when the north would have an unchallengeable right. He also noted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now of the African Democratic Congress, has faced criticism for entering the race while the south’s eight‑year term is incomplete, though Atiku insists the constitution contains no bar on anyone contesting at any time. The comments come amid reports of APC stakeholders in Benue declaring support for Governor Hyacinth Alia and the naming of Lagos campaign council members for Tinubu’s re‑election bid. The debate touches on Nigeria’s longstanding zonal power‑sharing discourse, influencing how parties structure alliances and how voters assess candidates’ regional equity claims ahead of the 2027 election.