Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Senator Shehu Sani, a well-known Nigerian politician, author and human rights activist, has reiterated his position on national power rotation, urging that the next presidential contest in 2027 should be reserved for candidates from the Southern region of Nigeria, with the North willingly waiting until at least 2031 to produce the next president. His remarks signal a broader debate on equity, national unity and the principle of power sharing as Nigeria prepares for its next electoral cycles.
Shehu Sani made clear that his position is rooted in historical political realities and a long-standing understanding of national inclusiveness. In his view, the North had already “had its fair share” of leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served two terms from 2015 to 2023, but failed to deliver decisive solutions to many structural challenges facing the region. Sani argues that it would therefore be in the interest of national peace and stability to allow the South — which includes the South-West, South-East, and South-South geopolitical zones — to fully harness its opportunity to govern by contesting the presidency in 2027.
According to Sani, this arrangement is not about excluding any region from democratic competition but rather about fostering a sense of fairness. He contends that allowing a Southern candidate to lead in 2027 would honour Nigeria’s informal rotation tradition and help reduce sectional tensions that often arise during periods of political transition. He emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right of any citizen, regardless of region, to contest elections, but he believes support for a Southern presidency in 2027 would promote unity and avoid exacerbating existing societal divides.
Sani’s remarks come amid a broader national conversation about zoning — the practice whereby the presidency rotates among Nigeria’s diverse regions to give every part of the country a chance to lead. This arrangement has played a central role in political negotiations and campaign strategies, especially in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Nigeria, where power balancing is seen as key to national cohesion. Although zoning is not enshrined in the constitution, it is widely upheld as a political practice to ensure inclusive governance.
In outlining his position on this issue, Sani referenced historical alliances and political realities. He noted how alliances across regional lines — particularly the partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Buhari — shaped past electoral outcomes. He argued that such alliances demonstrated a shared political interest across regions that can facilitate cooperation and mutual benefit when power is equitably distributed. Consequently, he urged political elites in the North to support a consensual approach to power rotation that respects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
The former senator’s comments also shed light on his broader critique of leadership performance in Northern Nigeria. In interviews and public appearances over the past year, he has criticised some past regional leaders for failing to convert political influence into tangible development outcomes, particularly regarding security, economic progress, and human development. In his view, this underscores the need for a more flexible and fair approach to political power sharing.
Shehu Sani’s call for the 2027 presidential election to be “left for the South” has already generated discussion and debate in political circles. Supporters of zoning laud his appeal as a constructive attempt to manage tensions and promote unity, particularly in a context where the political landscape remains deeply influenced by ethnic, religious and regional affiliations. They suggest that predicting and pre-committing support for a Southern presidency could help reduce friction in the lead-up to critical national elections.
Critics, however, caution that rigid interpretations of zoning might undermine democratic competition and discourage merit-based political participation. These voices argue that while rotational arrangements can play a role in fostering unity, they should not overshadow democratic processes that allow voters to freely choose their leaders. Elections, they contend, must remain open and governed by constitutional principles that prioritize competence and popular will.
Political analysts note that Sani’s intervention comes at a particularly sensitive time for Nigerian democracy, as the next national elections draw closer and debates over leadership, security, economic policy, and national identity intensify. How political stakeholders respond to his call may influence broader public perceptions about equity, fairness and the future of national governance arrangements. There is also a strong view among some commentators that embracing inclusive leadership arrangements could strengthen the nation’s democratic fabric and contribute to peaceful electoral outcomes.
As the debate unfolds, Sani has reiterated that his position is about fostering national harmony rather than promoting sectional interests. He argues that peaceful governance, free from disruptive competition or tension, could create an environment in which all regions of Nigeria benefit from enhanced political legitimacy and stability — essential ingredients for advancing democratic governance in Africa’s most populous nation.
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