Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has said the presidency is expected to return to Northern Nigeria after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu completes his second term in office.
Zulum made the disclosure in Kaduna on Sunday during an engagement with Northern women Ulama and Islamic scholars, where he spoke on the political understanding that preceded Tinubu’s emergence as president in 2023.
According to the governor, political leaders from the North had agreed to support the South during the current presidential cycle, with an understanding that power would return to the North after Tinubu’s tenure.
He said the arrangement was part of a broader agreement aimed at promoting political stability, national unity and cooperation between the regions.
“About five years ago, we decided to ensure unity in Northern Nigeria, and we have achieved our objective,” Zulum said.
The governor maintained that the political understanding reached ahead of the 2023 election should be respected as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Zulum urged Nigerians to avoid allowing political disagreements to deepen regional divisions, stressing that the country’s interests should remain above individual political ambitions.
He also appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with the Tinubu administration while it tackles insecurity, poverty and other socioeconomic challenges facing the country.
The governor said insecurity, poverty and the increasing number of out-of-school children were among issues discussed during consultations with Northern stakeholders.
Zulum also highlighted the role of women in promoting peace and stability, particularly through their influence within families and communities.
He urged women to use their electoral strength responsibly, noting that they constitute an estimated 60 to 65 per cent of votes cast in Borno State.
The governor called on political leaders across the country to sustain cooperation and avoid actions capable of aggravating existing divisions.
Zulum further said his position on the power-sharing arrangement was based on conviction and not fear or pressure from any political group.
“I speak from the heart, not out of fear of anyone, but in the name of God,” he said.
He expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail, while urging political leaders to place the national interest above personal ambitions.
Credit: Politics Nigeria, except headline
