Babangida Aliyu, a former governor of Niger state, has expressed his support for allowing President Bola Tinubu to secure a second term in office, emphasizing adherence to the power rotation gentleman’s agreement traditionally observed in Nigeria.
Since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, the presidency has typically alternated between the northern and southern regions every eight years. However, this pattern was temporarily disrupted when Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner, completed Umaru Yar’Adua’s term following his untimely death in 2010. Jonathan subsequently won a fresh mandate.
Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, took office in 2015 and served two terms, concluding his presidency in 2023. Bola Tinubu, hailing from the southwest, succeeded Buhari and will complete his first term in 2027.
As speculation grows around former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a northern Muslim, potentially aiming for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket in 2027, Aliyu cautioned against divisive ambitions within the north.
“ADC Shouldn’t Create Problems for the North”
During a discussion on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show,’ Aliyu articulated concerns over northern candidates seeking the presidency on the ADC platform. He remarked, “If a northerner says he’s serving one term, what problem is he creating for the north?”
He encouraged patience, suggesting that if the late Buhari’s eight-year tenure could be tolerated, the north could also accept Tinubu’s continuation, saying, “Maybe by 2031, we can re-evaluate the arrangement if it seems convenient.”
Aliyu underscored that the outcome of the next election will be contingent on the government’s ability to address existing challenges over the next year and a half, adding, “If the government can correct some of the observable anomalies, I don’t see a problem.”
Addressing Opposition Dynamics
On the potential for the ADC to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tinubu, Aliyu challenged opposition parties to present credible alternatives. He posed the critical question, “What is the alternative that you’re offering to the people?” highlighting the need for a clear vision if they aim to challenge the current administration.
Bridging the Communication Gap
Aliyu also noted a significant communication gap between the government and the public. He argued that officials have been either reluctant or ineffective in sharing accomplishments with citizens. As the chairman of the board of trustees for the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF), he stressed that every government minister and agency head should proactively communicate their achievements. “The government needs to be more of an advocate,” he insisted, reiterating that while the government may be performing well, it must also excel in conveying its successes to the public.