Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to contest the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the presidency should remain in the South in line with Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sheriff said many political stakeholders in Northern Nigeria support the zoning principle, which he argued promotes political balance and national unity. He maintained that the South should complete its turn before power returns to the North.
Commenting on possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 election, Sheriff claimed that many Northern politicians were not in favour of any coalition involving Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He also claimed that supporters of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would back him if he contested for president but would oppose an alliance with Obi.
“This is what Kano people are telling Kwankwaso now, that we always supported you and we will support you if you run for president, but we will not support you to go with Peter Obi,” Sheriff said.
Sheriff’s remarks reflect his assessment of the political mood in the North ahead of the 2027 general election.
