Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony Sani, has backed the advice of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, that Northerners should not contest the 2027 presidential election but wait until 2031, during an interview with The Sun on Sunday, 14 September, 2025.
Sani explained that Akume’s statement reflects the current reality of Nigerian politics.
He said the country is deeply influenced by zoning and identity politics, which determine the choices of voters across regions.
According to him, most southerners will not support a northern candidate in 2027, and many northerners will in turn vote for a southern candidate in order to respect the principle of rotation.
He noted that zoning has become a kind of unwritten rule in Nigerian democracy.
He added that this practice was one of the factors that helped President Bola Tinubu secure victory in 2023.
Sani said Tinubu was able to defeat former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the North because many voters believed it was fair to allow power to shift to the South after years of northern leadership.
The elder statesman stressed that politics is about timing and viability.
He said it would be unwise for northern politicians to enter the 2027 race when the mood of the country is not in their favor.
According to him, Akume’s advice was a clear reminder that there is no need to contest an election that cannot be won.
Sani said the best option for northern politicians is to wait until 2031 when it would be more acceptable for power to shift back to the North.
He warned that ignoring the spirit of zoning could create unnecessary political tension and division.
He stated that respecting zoning is essential for national stability and unity. See, More, Here>>>>
”SGF George Akume is not wrong because the politics of zoning or identity has become a zeitgeist in the polity. As a result, most southerners would not vote for a northerner in 2027 till 2031. Also, most northerners will vote for a southerner in 2027 in the spirit of politics of zoning. It is that spirit of zoning which made it possible for Bola Tinubu to defeat former VP Atiku in the North in 2023,” he said.
