Ali Modu Sheriff Says Atiku Should Wait Till 2031, arguing that political zoning favours President Tinubu while rejecting Peter Obi’s northern support
Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has said Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, should postpone his ambition until 2031, arguing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves the opportunity to complete an eight-year tenure in line with Nigeria’s informal power rotation arrangement.
Also read: Ali Modu Sheriff Criticises Peter Obi’s Party Loyalty
Sheriff made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, where he also claimed that northern voters would not support former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, despite any potential alliance involving northern political figures.
The former governor said Atiku remains a respected and qualified politician but argued that the timing of his ambition does not align with the current political structure.
“For Atiku, this is not the North’s turn. He is a well-respected leader and very qualified, but he has to wait until 2031. President Buhari has finished eight years of being in charge, so now it’s the South’s turn,” Sheriff said.
Nigeria’s presidency has historically been influenced by an informal zoning understanding between the North and South, although the arrangement is not written into law.
Supporters argue that it promotes balance among the country’s major regions, while critics maintain that competence and electoral choice should take priority.
Sheriff also dismissed the possibility of Peter Obi securing significant northern support ahead of the next election, saying regional considerations would influence voting decisions.
“I don’t worry about Peter Obi because I know Northerners will never support him,” he said.
The former governor alleged that some northern political supporters of Rabiu Kwankwaso, who has previously been linked with possible opposition alliances, would not support an arrangement that places Obi at the centre of a presidential bid.
“The situation is different now. During Peter Obi’s time as governor, he worked to get Northerners to leave Anambra State. This is what people in Kano are telling Kwankwaso now,” Sheriff claimed.
Sheriff’s comments come as political parties and opposition figures continue to position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, a former vice president and longtime presidential contender, has remained a major opposition figure, while Obi’s strong performance in the 2023 election has kept him among the leading voices challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The remarks have added to ongoing debate over regional voting patterns, party alliances and the influence of zoning in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Also read: Ali Modu Sheriff Criticises Peter Obi’s Party Loyalty
Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi had publicly responded to Sheriff’s comments at the time of publication.
