2027: Atiku’s victory will end rotational presidency in Nigeria – Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, has stated that Atiku Abubakar's victory in the 2027 Nigerian presidential election would signal the end of the country's rotational presidency system. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today programme, Sani argued that the South should be permitted to hold the presidency for an eight-year term, similar to the North's rule from 2015 to 2023.

He emphasized that while Atiku has the constitutional right to run for office, political considerations should guide the 2027 contest. Sani suggested that all parties, including the Africa Democratic Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, should field candidates from the South for the 2027 election. He acknowledged that rotational presidency is not explicitly stated in the Constitution but believed it was essential for fairness and national unity.

Sani further argued that political power should not be concentrated in one region due to its population or electoral strength. He cited the eight-year term of former President Muhammadu Buhari and noted that the South did not challenge his presidency during that period. Sani maintained that his stance on Atiku's candidacy did not prevent him from contesting the 2027 election, but expressed concern that a northern president succeeding Tinubu in 2027 could face opposition in the South.