2027: Atiku has to wait till 2031, it's not North's time now: Ali Modu Sheriff

Former Borno State Governor and APC chieftain, Ali Modu Sheriff, has made waves with his statement on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he insisted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar should shelve his 2027 presidential ambition, citing an unwritten power-sharing arrangement among Nigeria's political leaders.

The understanding Sheriff is referring to was allegedly reached after the civil war as a means of ensuring regional balance in Nigeria's leadership. This agreement is rooted in the country's history, where the 1963 Republican Constitution ensured that the presidency would alternate between the North and the South. However, with the military coup of 1966, this agreement was abandoned. The unwritten pact, according to Sheriff, is meant to restore regional balance.

In essence, Sheriff's statement is based on this perceived power-sharing arrangement, which he believes bars Atiku Abubakar from running in 2027. The former governor argues that the North would not support Atiku's bid due to this unwritten agreement, emphasizing that it is the South's turn to produce Nigeria's president. He posits that Atiku Abubakar should wait until 2031, which he claims would be the North's turn.

While it's unclear how widespread support for this agreement is, it's evident that Sheriff's stance is not isolated. His assertion that the political landscape has changed since the 2023 presidential election, where Peter Obi secured substantial votes in some Northern states, is a reflection of the shifting dynamics in Nigerian politics. However, Sheriff's dismissal of Peter Obi's chances in the North is based on a personal anecdote, where he claims that some Northern politicians, including supporters of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, are unwilling to back any alliance involving Obi.

Sheriff's statement touches on a broader cultural and industry movement in Nigeria's politics, which is the perceived regionalism in the country's leadership. This unwritten agreement, though unverified, is a reflection of the regional identities that continue to shape Nigeria's politics. It highlights the tensions between different regions and the power struggle that ensues. Furthermore, it underscores the complexities of Nigeria's politics, where personalities and regional affiliations often take precedence over national interests.

Sheriff's confidence in President Bola Tinubu securing a second term in office in 2027 is evidence of the APC's determination to maintain its grip on power. However, the party's complacency ahead of the election is a sign of weakness, as the opposition is likely to capitalize on this. The APC's stance on Atiku Abubakar's ambition is a calculated attempt to appease the North, while its dismissal of Peter Obi's chances in the North is an attempt to maintain its stronghold in the region.

In conclusion, Sheriff's statement marks a significant turning point in Nigeria's politics, as it highlights the regional power struggle that continues to shape the country's leadership. With the 2027 general election drawing near, it's unclear how this unwritten agreement will affect the outcome. However, one thing is certain: the APC will stop at nothing to maintain its grip on power, even if it means sacrificing Atiku Abubakar's ambition.

As Nigerians inch closer to the 2027 general election, it's essential to note that the country's politics is on the cusp of a significant shift. The unwritten agreement that Sheriff is referencing may hold sway in the North, but it's unclear how widespread support is across the country. If the APC's complacency ahead of the election is any indication, the opposition is likely to make significant gains in the 2027 elections. The stakes are high, and only time will tell if Nigeria's politics will truly move towards a more inclusive and representative leadership.