Presidency: North Must Back South West in 2027, Says Shehu Sani

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has called on northerners to support the South West in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that it is only fair for the region to complete eight years in power.

Speaking to journalists at his Kaduna residence on Monday, Sani praised the progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and urged northern citizens not to be swayed by tribal sentiments or political manipulation against the current government. He criticised northern leaders who previously held power but failed to transform the region, stating that many had let the North down and owed the people an apology.

“For those who had the opportunity to do better and failed, it is better they apologise for the wrong they have done to the North,” he said. “The masses should not be incited against a government that is clearly doing better than the one from their own region.”

Sani pointed out that since 1999, the North West has produced two presidents—Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari—with strong backing from the South West. He emphasised that the South West showed consistent support for the North during previous administrations and did not obstruct President Buhari’s tenure.

He argued that equity and justice demand that the South be allowed to complete its turn, noting that if the opposition is to field a credible candidate in 2027, such a candidate should also come from the South West.

Reflecting on the security situation under the last administration, Sani criticised the dominance of northern appointees in top security positions, saying they failed to stop terrorism, banditry, and killings in several northern states. He urged northern voters to prioritise performance and fairness over ethnic loyalty in the next election cycle.