Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje on Friday dismissed speculations that Northern Nigeria would turn against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, calling such assumptions “misguided” and detached from political realities.
Ganduje spoke in Abuja during a courtesy visit from a delegation of Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders from the 19 northern states, who also decorated him as patron of their forum.
He declared that there is no better candidate from the south to lead Nigeria beyond 2027 than Tinubu, emphasising the president’s long-standing political commitment and efforts to strengthen national unity.
He recalled a pre-election agreement during the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure that after eight years, a southerner would assume the presidency.
“Those who think otherwise are making a big mistake,” Ganduje said, highlighting Tinubu’s reforms since assuming office, including the bold removal of fuel subsidies and initiatives boosting state allocations.
Ganduje praised the Northern youth leaders for mobilizing support and fundraising for Tinubu’s potential re-election, stating: “You are contributing funds, your brains, your energy, and your time to ensure his re-election.
”I have to thank you for this commitment.”
The youth leaders, led by Murtala Gamji, reaffirmed their dedication to mobilising voters across the North and financing Tinubu’s nomination forms.
“Some people claim the North will not vote for Tinubu in 2027, but that’s a lie,” Gamji asserted.
Meanwhile, APC chieftain Farouk Aliyu expressed concerns that a Christian-Christian presidential ticket could alienate Muslim voters in the North.
Speaking on Arise News, he argued that given the North’s Muslim majority, a Christian candidate could create electoral difficulties for any party.
Aliyu, however, noted that controversies around the Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023 have largely subsided, asserting that Christians are not being marginalised under Tinubu’s administration.
“The Muslim-Muslim ticket can still fly with the APC,” he added, while cautioning that replacing a Muslim with a Christian in the North could be politically challenging.
The debate underscores ongoing discussions within the APC over candidate selection and regional representation ahead of the 2027 elections, with Ganduje affirming unwavering support for Tinubu’s leadership and political vision.
