Prominent northern political leaders and groups have criticized the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, over his recent call for northern politicians to abandon any ambition of contesting the presidency in 2027.
Ganduje made the controversial statement while addressing members of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre (PBAT Media Centre) and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum (TNYF) at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. He argued that after eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the region should support Tinubu for a second term.
“When a leader from the northern part of this country was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president in our party should come from the South,” Ganduje stated. “Luckily enough, we worked very hard, and with the cooperation of Nigerians, our President has come from the South and is going, insha’Allah, for a second term in 2027. And then after that, it will be the turn of the North.”
However, his statement has sparked widespread criticism, with many northern leaders accusing him of prioritizing loyalty to President Tinubu over the region’s political interests.
El-Rufai, Northern Leaders Reject Ganduje’s Position
Ganduje’s comments appeared to be a response to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently suggested on social media that the North might oppose Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, just as it did with former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Reacting to Ganduje’s stance, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), said the APC chairman was merely serving the interests of his “benefactor.”
“It is a political statement, and he is representing the party,” Pogu said. “Whether he likes it or not, the President is the main man for the party, and the benefit he would get comes through the President. So, it is not surprising that, despite northern resistance, he is supporting Tinubu.”
Pogu, however, suggested that Ganduje’s statement should not be taken at face value. “There are things we need to learn from the behavior of the North. What he says may not exactly be what he means. Let’s hope that what he said is not a form of deceit aimed at appeasing certain people while planning something different.”
Undemocratic and Dangerous’ – Arewa Youths, Christian Leaders React
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) also rejected Ganduje’s position, describing it as an attack on democracy.
“Ganduje’s call raises important questions about the principles of democracy and the right to political participation,” said AYCF President Yerima Shettima. “Every citizen has the right to contest for political office. This right is enshrined in the constitution and is a fundamental aspect of a functioning democracy.”
Shettima warned that discouraging northern politicians from contesting could be seen as an attempt to limit voter choices and stifle political competition. “Such a directive suggests an effort to consolidate power within a particular faction rather than promote a fair electoral process.”
Similarly, Emmanuel Obe, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-West zone, questioned the relevance of political debates about 2027 when the country is struggling with pressing issues.
“Why the noise about 2027 when Nigerians are suffering?” Obe asked. “The least we expect from our leaders is to provide basic needs like food, security, education, and healthcare. Instead of engaging in political distractions, Ganduje and others should focus on addressing these challenges.”
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‘The North is Not a Political Monolith’ – Arewa Consultative Forum
Former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, dismissed claims that Ganduje or El-Rufai spoke for the North as a whole.
“The North is not a political monolith,” Sani said. “When it comes to partisan politics, the region does not act in unison. Historically, we have had diverse political movements, and we have seen the North vote based on merit rather than regional loyalty.”
He cited past elections as proof of northern political diversity, recalling that the region voted for Moshood Abiola against northern candidate Bashir Tofa in 1993 and supported Tinubu in 2023 over another northerner, Atiku Abubakar.
Similarly, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, former CAN Chairman in Kaduna State, said Nigerians were tired of politicians using zoning to deny them good governance.
“Nigerians want good leadership, not regional politics,” Hayab stated. “We have played the regional and religious politics card for too long, yet we remain stuck in poverty and hardship. If political parties want the people’s support in 2027, they should focus on governance, not ethnic power games.”
Ganduje’s Argument is Worrisome’ – Northern Elders Forum
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) also criticized Ganduje’s stance, describing it as “worrisome and undemocratic.”
“As a leader from the North, I am deeply concerned by Ganduje’s statement,” said NEF Director of NGOs and SCOs, Suleiman Abdul-Azeez. “His call for the North to abandon its political ambitions for Tinubu is against the principles of fair competition and democracy.”
Abdul-Azeez argued that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on free and fair elections, where all candidates should have an equal chance to contest. “By asking the North to step aside, Ganduje is stifling democracy and denying people their right to choose their leaders. This sets a dangerous precedent where certain regions may be pressured to withdraw their candidacy in future elections.”
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 presidential election, the debate over zoning and power rotation continues to intensify. While Ganduje insists that the North should wait its turn after Tinubu’s second term, many northern leaders believe his position undermines democracy and ignores the region’s political diversity.
With growing dissatisfaction over governance and economic hardship, Nigerians may prioritize performance over zoning in 2027. Whether Ganduje’s call will influence political decisions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the North is far from united on this issue.