Northern Elite Divided Over Tinubu 2027: Kwankwaso, Yakassai, And Prof Fagge Challenge Ganduje And Matawalle’s Endorsements!

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, have both asserted that the North will support Tinubu’s re-election, ensuring he serves a full eight-year tenure before power shifts back to the region in 2031.

However, their statements have triggered mixed reactions among Northern politicians and stakeholders, with some endorsing the power rotation principle, while others advocate for a more competitive and open democratic process.

Ganduje: North Should Wait Until 2031

Speaking at a gathering with 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, Ganduje dismissed any expectations of a Northern presidency in 2027.

He stated, “When a leader from the North served for eight years, we championed the idea that the next president should come from the South. Fortunately, we succeeded, and now we have a Southern president. By God’s grace, he will complete a second term in 2027. After that, it will be the North’s turn again.”

Similarly, Dr. Matawalle dismissed opposition to Tinubu’s re-election, asserting that the North would support him to sustain ongoing development projects.

“President Bola Tinubu has significantly contributed to all regions, including the North. The people of the North will stand with him to continue his achievements and reforms,” he remarked.

Lukman: Ganduje Sounds Like a Street Hawker

Former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Moh. Lukman, criticized Ganduje for attempting to shut out potential Northern aspirants in 2027.

Speaking to Vanguard, Lukman stated, “He sounds almost like a street hawker. The mere fact that an election is coming up means there is a vacancy. The chairman cannot simply impose his personal views on others.”

He further accused the APC leadership of stifling internal democracy, arguing that party decisions were being imposed without proper consultation.

Suleiman: North Must Prioritize Competence Over Regional Politics

Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Director of NGOs/SCOs at the Northern Elders Forum, insisted that regional politics had failed the North, citing former President Muhammadu Buhari’s underwhelming tenure.

“Buhari’s eight years were marked by unfulfilled promises. Instead of fixating on regional loyalty, we must prioritize competence. The North needs a leader who can effectively address insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural decay,” he stated.