According to a report by The Nigerian Tribune, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Anthony Sani, has shared his perspective on northern political sentiment regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sani addressed concerns about perceived marginalization of the North under Tinubu’s administration, particularly regarding key appointments and the broader impact of ongoing economic reforms. While acknowledging that such narratives exist within northern political and business circles, he suggested that they may be influenced more by political interpretation than objective assessment. He noted that debates around federal character, competence, and regional balance in appointments remain central to Nigeria’s governance discourse.
Speaking on zoning and power rotation, Sani emphasized that identity politics continues to shape Nigeria’s electoral landscape. According to him, the expectation that the South should complete an eight-year tenure, followed by a return of power to the North, is still widely held.
“You may wish to note that as long as the politics of identity called zoning is still zeitgeist in the polity and the South wants to finish its eight-year tenure and the North wants the president in 2031, President Bola Tinubu is about the only southerner who cannot govern beyond 2031. Any other Southerner can govern beyond 2031. That explains why a majority of northerners will prefer to vote for President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Sani suggested a strategic political calculation among northern voters, who may view Tinubu as a transitional figure whose tenure would align with zoning expectations. Analysts say this reflects the continuing influence of informal power-sharing arrangements in Nigerian politics, even as debates persist over merit, inclusivity, and national cohesion. Read_More…