Kano Governor Tells Northern Candidates to Wait Until 2031

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has asked for Nigeria’s presidency to keep rotating between the northern and southern parts of the country. He urged northern presidential candidates to hold off until 2031 before running for office.

Yusuf made this statement on Sunday at the Government House in Kano. He spoke during the unveiling of 50 vehicles donated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, to support APC campaign efforts in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, Yusuf believes presidential power should switch between the two regions. Each region should have the chance to produce a president for two consecutive terms.

He explained that allowing each region to complete two terms would give a government enough time to carry out important policies and development programs.

“I urge support for President Bola Tinubu to complete his second term because this would allow the South to complete its two-term cycle before power returns to the North,” Yusuf said.

He added, “We should allow the South to complete its two-term cycle. After that, power will return to the North in 2031.”

The governor then called on political leaders, especially in the North, to be patient. He asked them to let the current political setup play out, meaning northern presidential hopefuls should delay their ambitions until after the 2027 to 2031 term.

Yusuf stated that a rotating presidency should encourage fairness, national unity, trust, and a sense of belonging among Nigerians from different regions.

“Rotational presidency is about fairness, equity and giving every part of the country a sense of belonging,” he said.

He also urged politicians and political parties to run peaceful and focused campaigns as the 2027 general elections approach.

The governor called on political actors to prioritize policies, programs, and development plans. He warned against personal attacks and inflammatory comments.

“Let us focus on issues, policies and programs and avoid actions that can undermine peace and unity,” Yusuf said.

Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to peaceful democratic practices. He urged political leaders to prioritize the unity, peace, and development of Kano State and Nigeria over party differences.