HEADLINENEWS.NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Date: July 29, 2025
HeadlinenewsTV
Politics Today
Former Borno State Governor and two‑time Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has made a bold disclosure: northern political leaders had reportedly agreed to allow southern Nigerians to produce the President for two full terms until 2031, and that such an agreement remains binding even if President Tinubu opts not to run again.
“We, the leaders in the north, had an agreement to give two terms until 2031 to southerners to produce president, and we won’t deviate from that agreement. Even if Tinubu didn’t run, we would still honour it by electing a southern president for one term — but Tinubu will hand over to a northerner in 2031.”
— Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff
Sheriff also criticized the ADC’s political maneuvering, dismissing their attempts to recruit northern heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar as unlikely to sway voters. He referenced recent elections:
In Adamawa State, Governor Fintiri’s PDP defeated candidates associated with Atiku’s camp, including Aisha Binani.
In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed triumphed over Atiku’s proxy, Saidw Abubakar.
“Even in Adamawa where Atiku is from, the governor defeated his candidate. Do you think Atiku’s ADC will defeat Bala Mohammed in Bauchi? Bala defeated Atiku’s candidate in 2023.”
— Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff
Historical & Political Context
Nigeria’s informal power rotation—rooted in the 2013 creation of the APC alliance—stipulated zoning the presidency across geopolitical zones. Tinubu’s election from the South-West in 2023 was seen as fulfillment of that rotation. Sheriff’s claim provides a narrative that the South-East or South-South could hold the presidency through 2031.
If true, it would mean:
Atiku or Obi are constitutionally out of sync for 2027, as the turn still belongs to other southern regions under the alleged agreement.
A clear alignment with the APC’s zoning formula and the presidency’s electoral trajectory.
Implications for 2027 Elections & Tinubu’s Position
Sheriff’s statement frames:
Tinubu’s re-election (if run) as within the zoning plan.
Atiku or other southern contenders must belong to the stipulated south zone.
Tinubu’s eventual handover to a northern candidate in 2031.
This arrangement aligns with:
“The presidency must be equitable, rotated, and inclusive—but not opportunistically seized.”
— APC Chieftain, Abuja
Political Reality Check
Region Action in 2027
South-West Incumbent region (Tinubu) — eligible
Other Southern zones Only allowed if within zoning agreement until 2031
North Eligible from 2031 onward
Sheriff’s political commentary is binding more on public perception and elite consensus, less on constitutional law. Nigerian voters remain the final arbiters in general elections.
Analytical Takeaways
1. Sheriff positions Atiku as out of sync with zoning, possibly weakening Atiku’s ADC presidential ambition.
2. Tinubu’s focus on grassroots deliverables—local governance, power reforms, sports revival—may reinforce his alignment with party elite consensus.
3. APC should reinforce its zoning credibility while maintaining merit and inclusive governance across the three tiers.
“Our leadership should focus on delivering on the people’s agenda. Zoning is important—but performance cements trust.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Governance Consultant & Founder, National Patriots
Final Word
Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff’s bold claims add a potent political dimension to Nigeria’s 2027 race, giving renewed relevance to zoning agreements and elite expectations. If taken seriously, they cast doubt on the legitimacy of Atiku’s ambition while framing Tinubu as the rightful incumbent whose administration must deliver real dividends—not for power’s sake, but for Nigeria’s future.
HeadlineNews.News will continue to follow this developing narrative, tracking public reactions, APC dynamics, and broader electoral strategy implications.
