Shettima Denies Northern Power Bargain: ‘Backing Tinubu’s Re-election Doesn’t Seal 2031 Deal

Shettima made this remark in response to comments from All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Umar Ganduje and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who suggested that the North should support Tinubu’s second term and wait until 2031 to pursue the presidency. Shettima called their statements flawed and argued that the idea of postponing northern politicians’ presidential ambitions could lead to internal conflicts within the region.

In an interview with Vanguard, Shettima emphasized that the North’s potential deferral of its presidential bid for the 2027 election could result in dissatisfaction among many northern political leaders, creating divisions within both the ruling party and the region.

“The proposal for the North to support Tinubu in 2023 and aim for the presidency in 2031 overlooks the fundamentals of democratic competition. Such a strategy risks alienating northern political figures and weakening their bargaining power within the party,” he explained.

Shettima also pointed out that the assumption of a guaranteed northern presidency in 2031 is flawed. The political environment is ever-changing, with new alliances and forces that could alter the outcome, he added.

He further noted that while the idea may appear strategically sound, it ignores the complexities of Nigerian politics, could undermine democratic values, and might alienate key segments of the northern population.