Former Borno State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ali Modu Sheriff, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to suspend his Atiku 2027 ambition, arguing that Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement favours the South retaining the presidency until 2031. Sheriff made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure re-election in the 2027 general election.

According to Sheriff, political leaders reached an understanding after the Nigerian Civil War to promote regional balance in the country’s leadership by rotating presidential power between the North and the South. He argued that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s completion of two terms means it is still the South’s turn to occupy the presidency.

“After the civil war our leaders have said that there will no longer be this situation in Nigeria, there is a regional agreement. For Atiku, it’s not our time now. He is on his own because it is the turn for the South. Buhari just finished 8 years.” Sheriff acknowledged Atiku’s political credentials but maintained that the timing was not favourable for his presidential bid.

“If Atiku wants to be president he can wait, he is a leader in Northern Nigeria, he is eminently qualified but it is not our time now, he has to wait till 2031. That is the time for the North, for now, it is time for the South.”

While discussing the 2027 election, Sheriff expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would secure another four-year term. He, however, cautioned that the APC would not approach the election with complacency despite his confidence in the party’s prospects. The comments come as political parties continue preparations for the next general election and consultations intensify among major political figures.

Sheriff also downplayed the presidential chances of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi, arguing that the former Anambra State governor would struggle to attract support from Northern voters.

“I am not worried about Peter Obi at all because I know that Northerners will never vote for Peter Obi.”

When reminded that Obi secured considerable votes in states including Nasarawa and Plateau during the 2023 presidential election, Sheriff maintained that the political environment had changed. He alleged that Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State had affected his acceptance among Northern voters.

“The situation is different now, you know why? Peter Obi when he was a governor chased all the Northerners out of Anambra State.” Sheriff also claimed that some Northern political stakeholders, including supporters of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, were reluctant to support any political alliance involving Obi.

“This is what Kano people are telling Kwankwaso now, that we always supported you and we will support you if you run for president but we will not support you to go with Peter Obi.”

Sheriff’s comments come amid ongoing political consultations, coalition discussions and strategic realignments among opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general election. The debate over the Atiku 2027 ambition continues to feature prominently in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape as parties position themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential contest.