Shehu Sani to Northern Leaders: Let the South Finish First

Former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani has called on northern politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to respect the country's power rotation agreement and allow the South to complete eight years in the presidency. Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, said honoring the rotation would make it easier for a northern candidate to take power in 2031. The power rotation is an informal agreement between Nigeria's northern and southern regions to alternate the presidency. It is not written into law, but it is widely accepted in Nigerian politics. President Bola Tinubu, a southerner, took office in 2023. Under the rotation arrangement, his region is expected to hold the presidency until 2031. Sani's statement adds to the debate over whether the rotation should continue ahead of the 2027 election.