2027: Shehu Sani Drops Bombshell On Tinubu, Obi And Atiku’s Presidential Ambitions

Former Senator Shehu Sani has stirred fresh debate ahead of the 2027 presidential election after declaring that the race should primarily involve President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi and other southern presidential contenders — while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern aspirants wait until 2031.

Sani, a former federal lawmaker, argued that although presidential rotation between the North and South is not a constitutional requirement, he considers it an equitable political arrangement given Nigeria’s history and political realities.

In a post on X, the former senator listed Tinubu, Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, Seyi Makinde, Adebayo, Duke and other southern candidates as those who should contest the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year presidential tenure before power returns to the North.

«“It’s not constitutional but it’s equitable. We should not bury our heads in the sand and deny the realities and complexities of our history,” Sani stated.»

He further argued that once the South completes its eight-year tenure, the North would have what he described as an “unchallengeable right” to seek the presidency in 2031.

Sani also issued a warning to politicians who reject the principle of rotational presidency, saying that refusing to respect rotation in 2027 could have consequences for the North’s expectations in 2031.

His comments come amid growing political discussions over the 2027 presidential contest, particularly following Atiku Abubakar’s decision to pursue the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Atiku has faced criticism from those who believe the South should complete an eight-year tenure before power changes hands. However, the former vice president has maintained that the Nigerian Constitution does not prevent any eligible Nigerian from contesting for the presidency at any election.

With the 2027 race already generating intense political realignment, Sani’s latest position is likely to add another layer to the debate over zoning, power rotation and the constitutional right to contest for the presidency.