Former Borno State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Ali Modu Sheriff has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to put his 2027 presidential ambition on hold. He insisted that the South should retain the presidency until 2031.
Sheriff made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He argued that the North should not produce Nigeria’s next president because of an unwritten power-sharing arrangement among political leaders.
Sheriff says it is still the South’s turn
Explaining his position, Sheriff said political leaders adopted the informal arrangement after the Nigerian civil war. According to him, the understanding promotes regional balance and ensures fairness in the country’s leadership.
He said, “After the civil war our leaders have said that there will no longer be this situation in Nigeria, there is a regional agreement. For Atiku, it’s not our time now. He is on his own because it is the turn for the South. Buhari just finished 8 years.”
Sheriff described Atiku as one of Northern Nigeria’s respected political leaders. However, he said the former vice president should wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency.
He added, “If Atiku wants to be president he can wait, he is a leader in Northern Nigeria, he is eminently qualified but it is not our time now, he has to wait till 2031. That is the time for the North, for now, it is time for the South.”
Predicts Tinubu will win a second term
The APC chieftain also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure another four-year term in the 2027 presidential election.
However, Sheriff said the ruling party would not take victory for granted. He stressed that the APC would continue to work hard ahead of the next general election.
Sheriff dismisses Peter Obi’s chances
Sheriff also dismissed the presidential ambition of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi. He argued that the former Anambra State governor would struggle to attract support from Northern voters.
He said, “I am not worried about Peter Obi at all because I know that Northerners will never vote for Peter Obi.”
When the interviewer pointed out that Obi secured significant votes in Nasarawa and Plateau states during the 2023 election, Sheriff said the political situation had changed.
He alleged, “The situation is different now, you know why? Peter Obi when he was a governor chased all the Northerners out of Anambra State.”
Sheriff also claimed that some Northern political figures, including supporters of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, were unwilling to support any political alliance involving Obi.
Attention shifts to the 2027 election
Sheriff’s comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum across the country.
Political parties have not started formal campaigns. However, prominent figures in both the APC and opposition parties have continued to state their positions on zoning, succession and possible political alliances before the next general election.
