Shehu Sani Urges Northern Support for Tinubu’s Eight-Year Presidency

Former Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani called on northern Nigeria to back President Bola Tinubu for a full eight-year term, arguing it would honor the South-West’s right to a complete presidency during a Kaduna political rally.

Sani, addressing 3,000 APC supporters, said Tinubu’s 2023 election, with 8.8 million votes, including 2 million from the North, reflects a national mandate. He cited Tinubu’s reforms, like the $24 billion oil sector revival, as benefiting northern farmers through fertilizer subsidies, urging patience despite 40% inflation.

Sani’s call counters northern critics like Atiku Abubakar, who demand power rotation by 2027, citing the North’s 2015-2023 presidency under Buhari. He argued an eight-year South-West term mirrors Buhari’s tenure, promoting equity. However, northern youth groups, facing 50% unemployment, accused Sani of ignoring economic hardships, with food prices up 100% since 2023.

APC allies like Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed Sani, projecting Tinubu’s re-election, but PDP’s 2027 coalition plans threaten APC’s grip. Sani’s stance has polarized the North, with 60% of Kano voters favoring opposition in recent polls, signaling a tough 2027 battle.