Sheriff Urges Atiku to Wait Until 2031 for Presidential Bid
Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, against contesting the 2027 presidential election. Sheriff argued that an unwritten power-sharing arrangement among Nigeria's political leaders dictates that the South should produce the next president, making Atiku's bid premature.
Speaking on Monday, July 6, 2026, during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, Sheriff stated that the North would not support Atiku's candidacy in 2027 because it is the South's turn. He urged Atiku to wait until 2031, when the presidency would be due for the North again.
“If Atiku wants to be president, he can wait; he is a leader in Northern Nigeria, he is eminently qualified, but it is not our time now; he has to wait till 2031. That is the time for the North; for now, it is time for the South,” Sheriff said, as reported by Vanguard.
Power-Sharing Agreement Aimed at Regional Balance
Sheriff, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), explained that the power-sharing arrangement was established after the civil war to ensure regional balance in Nigeria's leadership. He noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, completed eight years in office, making it the South's turn to lead.
“After the civil war, our leaders said that there would no longer be this situation in Nigeria; there is a regional agreement. For Atiku, it's not our time now. He is on his own because it is the turn for the South. Buhari just finished 8 years,” Sheriff added.
Sheriff Predicts Tinubu's Second Term, Warns Against Complacency
The former governor expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would secure a second term in 2027. However, he stressed that the APC must not become complacent ahead of the election. Sheriff also weighed in on the prospects of other candidates, including Labour Party's Peter Obi.
Sheriff claimed that Northern voters would not support Obi, citing Obi's actions as governor of Anambra State. “The situation is different now, you know why? Peter Obi, when he was a governor, chased all the Northerners out of Anambra State,” Sheriff said. He also dismissed the possibility of an alliance between Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, stating that Kwankwaso's supporters are unwilling to back such a coalition.
Atiku Hosts EU Ambassador Amid 2027 Preparations
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar hosted the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, at his Abuja residence. The ADC presidential flagbearer disclosed the visit in a statement, noting that they had a lengthy discussion focusing on the 2027 general election. The meeting underscores Atiku's continued engagement with international stakeholders as he prepares for the upcoming electoral contest.
Sheriff's remarks add to the ongoing debate over zoning and power rotation in Nigeria's political landscape, with implications for the 2027 election. As the APC gears up for Tinubu's re-election bid, opposition figures like Atiku and Obi face the challenge of building broad-based support across regional lines.
