ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, has come under fire from northern leaders and groups following his call for the North to abandon any presidential ambition in 2027.
Critics alleged that he was prioritizing President Bola Tinubu’s interests over those of the region.
Ganduje’s statement has since ignited debates on power rotation and zoning in Nigeria as the country gears up for the next presidential election.
While speaking at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja during a meeting with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre (PBAT Media Centre) and Tinubu Northern Youth Forum (TNYF), Ganduje insisted that the president should serve two terms.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Will Reward Hard-Working, Loyal APC Members – Ganduje
“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.
“And luckily enough, we worked very hard 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 turned to the northern part of this country”, he stated.
His stated this in response to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who had posted on his verified X handle that the North would treat Tinubu in 2027 as it did former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Vanguard reports that Ganduje’s statement has drawn criticism from various stakeholders in the region, who argue that his position sets a “dangerous precedent.”
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, dismissed Ganduje’s stance as political posturing.
He said, “It is a political statement, and he is representing the party. 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.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Will Secure Second Term In 2027 – Ganduje
“So, whether he is from the North or wherever, he just has to support the President. However, there are things we need to learn from the behavior of the North. There is this thing they call ‘Takiya.’ It is a holy deceit. It is practiced in the North in some things.
“So, what he says may not exactly be what he meant. So, let’s hope and believe that what he said was what he meant, and that was not a deceit aimed at appeasing those he wants to, with the intention of doing something else.”
National President of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, in his part criticized Ganduje’s remarks. He described them an affront to democracy.
“Ganduje’s call for politicians from the North to drop any ambition of contesting against Tinubu in 2027 raises important questions about the principles of democracy and the right to political participation.
“By discouraging potential candidates from running for office, Ganduje’s statement could be seen as an attempt to limit the choices available to voters and stifle political competition”, Shettima said.
He warned that such a move could “consolidate power within a particular political faction or region, rather than promoting a fair and open electoral process.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-West zone, through its Chairman, Emmanuel Obe, also questioned the timing of Ganduje’s statement.
“2027 is still far away, so why the noise about 2027? It’s only God that knows what 2027 will look like. Nigerians are suffering, and the least expectation is to provide them with basic needs, which include but are not limited to food, shelter, security, good drinking water, access to basic education, good healthcare, stable electricity, and good roads,” he said.
Arguing further, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, stated that Ganduje’s position does not represent the entirety of the North.
“The North can be united politically on real issues of concern, but when it comes to partisan politics, the North does not act in unison”, he said.
He cited historical examples, such as the North’s support for MKO Abiola over Bashir Tofa in 1993 and Tinubu over Atiku Abubakar in 2023.
On his part, former Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev Joseph John Hayab, echoed these concerns, stating that Nigerians are more interested in governance than zoning politics.
“I am not sure Ganduje has said anything new. What he said is what the previous party in power used to say. Nigerians in the next election will be looking for good governance, not the region of the candidate,” he noted.
Also, Director of NGOs and CSOs of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Suleiman Abdul-Azeez, described Ganduje’s stance as troubling.
“This call for the North to step aside and allow Tinubu to run uncontested is not only undemocratic but also goes against the principles of fair competition and equal opportunity in a democratic society,” Abdul-Azeez said.
He further argued that Ganduje’s suggestion “sets a dangerous precedent for future elections, where certain individuals or regions may be pressured to withdraw their candidacy in favor of a preferred candidate.”
“It is essential that we uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that all eligible candidates have the right to contest for political office without any form of interference or coercion.
“Let us strive to promote a culture of political inclusivity and diversity, where every individual has an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process.”