2027: Tension Rises As North Challenges Ganduje’s Stand On Tinubu

Northern leaders have disclaimed the assertion by APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje that President Bola Tinubu should have a free way to a second term in 2027.

Some northern leaders, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have rejected the recent statement by Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging the North to skip the 2027 contest in favour of President Bola Tinubu.

The leaders insist that no one can dictate the North’s political choices, and they are not obligated to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027.

Ganduje’s Position on Tinubu’s Second Term
On Tuesday, Ganduje urged northern politicians not to contest in the next election, saying Tinubu should complete two terms just like former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was in office for eight years. He made this statement while meeting with members of a pro-Tinubu media group and youth forum.

“When a leader from the North was in office for eight years, we advocated that the next president should come from the South,” Ganduje said.

“Fortunately, with the support of Nigerians, our president is now from the South, and by Allah’s will, he will secure a second term in 2027. After that, it will be the North’s turn,” he added.

El-Rufai’s Warning Against Forcing Tinubu on the North
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, indirectly responded to Ganduje’s statement by sharing a post titled, “2027: South West, Tinubu’s Supporters Playing with Fire – Part 1.”

The post suggested that Tinubu’s relationship with the North has worsened in the last two years. It also warned that if things continue this way, Tinubu might lose northern support, just like former President Goodluck Jonathan did in 2015.

ACF Rejects Ganduje’s Advice
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) dismissed Ganduje’s statement, saying the North cannot be forced to support Tinubu.

Speaking on the matter, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, criticized the idea of making loyalty to the presidency more important than democratic choice.

“The presidency has become a sort of personality cult, demanding total allegiance. Those close to power may express such views, but they are not constitutionally binding,” he stated.

He emphasized that voters are free to make their own choices and will not be forced into accepting any political arrangement.

“There’s nothing new in what Ganduje said. Many people have said it before. Not too long ago, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also said the North should wait until 2031.

“But no individual or party can force people to vote in a certain way. His statement is just his personal opinion, and it’s up to the voters to accept, reject, or adjust it. I believe voters are now wiser about political promises,” he said.

He further pointed out that past political promises, including the anti-corruption agenda in 2015 and the Renewed Hope campaign in 2023, have not lived up to expectations.

“What will determine Tinubu’s re-election is not just whether he runs again, but how his policies affect the people. If they are satisfied, they will support him,” he added.

Former APC Leader Supports El-Rufai
Former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, agreed with El-Rufai’s stance, saying he has been making similar arguments.

“El-Rufai is not saying anything different from what I have been saying all along. The only difference is that he speaks for the North, while I speak for the whole country,” Lukman stated.

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