Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has called for the continuation of the informal rotation of Nigeria’s presidency between the northern and southern regions, saying the North should wait until 2031 for its next opportunity.
Yusuf spoke on Sunday at the Kano Government House during an event where 50 vehicles donated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, were unveiled for political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.
The governor argued that both regions should have the opportunity to produce a president for two four-year terms before power shifts to the other side.
He said the arrangement would give governments adequate time to pursue long-term policies and development programmes.
Yusuf specifically appealed to northern stakeholders to support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election so that, in his view, the South would complete its two-term cycle.
According to the governor, the presidency would then return to the North in 2031.
“Power will return to the North after the completion of the Southern region’s two-term cycle in 2031,” Yusuf said.
He urged northern political actors to be patient and allow the current political arrangement to continue through the 2027–2031 period.
Yusuf said his support for rotational presidency was based on what he described as the need for fairness, equity, national cohesion, mutual trust and a sense of belonging across Nigeria’s regions.
He also appealed to politicians to ensure that the 2027 campaign season remained peaceful and centred on issues.
The governor asked political parties, candidates and supporters to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes and development proposals instead of personal attacks and inflammatory statements.
Yusuf’s comments come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with competing positions emerging over zoning, regional representation and the future distribution of political power.
It is important to note that North-South presidential rotation is not expressly provided for in Nigeria’s Constitution. Yusuf was referring to a political understanding or convention that he believes should guide the country’s presidential succession.
