Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has challenged Nigeria’s political establishment to prioritize candidate credibility over regional considerations in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Speaking during a revealing interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Shekarau addressed the growing debate about power rotation between Nigeria’s north and south, emphasizing that good governance transcends geographical boundaries.
The veteran politician’s remarks come amid intensifying discussions about power potentially returning to northern Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure. Some political figures have begun advocating for a northern presidential candidate in 2027, sparking controversy as southern leaders argue that their region deserves to complete a full eight-year term under Tinubu’s presidency.
“Political parties should focus on presenting the best possible candidates to the Nigerian people,” Shekarau stated during the broadcast. Our primary concern should be examining the caliber of candidates produced by the parties, rather than their geographical origins.” He warned that limiting the selection process to regional considerations could force voters to choose between undesirable options, noting that when presented with “all evils, we will choose the best from the evils.
Shekarau’s intervention in the zoning debate reflects a growing sentiment among some political observers that Nigeria’s leadership challenges require a more merit-based approach to selecting national leaders. The former governor’s perspective suggests a departure from the traditional power-rotation arrangement that has influenced Nigerian politics since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The seasoned politician also addressed the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, interpreting them as a clear signal to the current administration. The demonstrations, which began on August 1, emerged as a response to mounting economic hardship following the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and float the naira. What started as peaceful protests eventually escalated, particularly in northern Nigeria, where some demonstrations led to property destruction.
“The recent protests about ending bad governance send an unambiguous message,” Shekarau emphasized. This wasn’t confined to any particular region or state – it was a national expression of discontent.” He urged President Tinubu’s administration to view these demonstrations as a mandate for comprehensive policy reassessment.
The former governor’s analysis of the protests highlights the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s political and economic challenges. By linking the demonstrations to broader governance issues, Shekarau suggested that regional politics should take a backseat to addressing fundamental national concerns.
The timing of Shekarau’s comments is particularly significant as Nigeria grapples with the aftermath of major economic reforms. The removal of fuel subsidies and currency policy changes have triggered widespread economic difficulties, leading to increased living costs and social unrest. These challenges have intensified scrutiny of governance quality regardless of regional considerations.
Shekarau’s advocacy for merit-based leadership selection reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria’s development challenges require competent leadership irrespective of geographical origin. His message resonates with reform-minded citizens who believe that traditional power-sharing arrangements may have contributed to governance challenges by prioritizing regional balance over administrative capability.
As political parties begin early preparations for the 2027 presidential election, Shekarau’s intervention adds a crucial voice to the national conversation about leadership selection criteria. His emphasis on candidate credibility over zoning arrangements challenges both political parties and voters to elevate their standards for presidential aspirants.
The former governor’s stance may influence how political parties approach candidate selection for the 2027 election, potentially shifting focus from regional considerations to demonstrable leadership capabilities. As Nigeria continues to face significant economic and social challenges, this perspective on leadership selection could mark a turning point in the country’s political evolution.
