2027: North may shun Atiku, Obi to support Tinubu – Anthony Sani

Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Chief Anthony N.Z. Sani, has stated that the North is more likely to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 as a strategic move to reclaim the presidency in 2031.

Speaking in an interview with The Nation in Kaduna, the influential northern elder explained that the prevailing political sentiment in the region favours allowing Tinubu to complete his constitutionally permitted two terms, after which power would return to the North for another eight years.

“The political dynamics surrounding zoning currently favour President Bola Tinubu. He has only one term left, and after 2027, power is expected by many to return to the North in 2031. That prospect alone will influence how the North votes,” Sani said.

According to him, this thinking could significantly weaken the chances of both former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 general election.

“Southern voters, because of the zoning arrangement and the quest for fairness, would not want the presidency to return to the North just yet. They would prefer the presidency remains in the South until 2031 so they can complete their expected eight years before power shifts again,” he said.

The former ACF scribe added that many northern voters may strategically vote for Tinubu in 2027, not only out of loyalty to former President Muhammadu Buhari but also to lay a stronger claim to the presidency in 2031.

“Supporting Tinubu in 2027 means the North can present a strong case for power to return to their region after his final term,” he explained.

Sani highlighted Buhari’s enduring popularity, especially in the rural North, saying the late former president’s perceived integrity and simplicity still shape political loyalties.

“His legacy is still fresh in the hearts of many, especially in the rural North, and that will continue to shape voting patterns for some time to come,” he added.

He further recalled Buhari’s firm rejection of opposition coalitions while alive, noting that his stance and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain influential among voters.

“With the passing of President Buhari, I believe President Bola Tinubu may still prevail among northern voters for two key reasons, the enduring influence of Buhari and the rotational presidency politics that currently favour a southern president until 2031,” Sani concluded.