Former Governor of Borno State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has reiterated the North’s commitment to the existing political agreement that supports power rotation between the North and South, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will complete his two-term tenure by 2031 and hand over to a Northerner.
Speaking in a recent interview, Sheriff disclosed that Northern leaders had reached a consensus to support the South for two presidential terms — lasting until 2031 — in the spirit of equity, justice, and national unity.
He emphasized that even if President Tinubu chose not to seek re-election in 2027, the North would still honour the agreement by ensuring that another Southerner succeeds him for just one term.
“We, the leaders in the North, had an agreement to allow the South to produce the President for two terms, up to 2031. We are not people who renege on agreements. Even if Tinubu doesn’t run again, we will still allow a Southerner to complete the second term. But take it from me — Tinubu will hand over to a Northerner in 2031,” Sheriff declared.
He also took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the party of political deception by floating the names of prominent Northern politicians allegedly joining their ranks to boost their public profile.
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According to Sheriff, the ADC is attempting to manipulate public perception by aligning itself with well-known Northern figures in a bid to project false popularity.
“These political jobbers in the ADC are only throwing around names of big Northern politicians as if they’ve joined them. It’s a ploy to mislead the public. They lack the popularity they claim,” he stated.
Sheriff further dismissed the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his allies in the North, noting that Atiku’s political grip has significantly weakened even in his home state of Adamawa.
“Even in Adamawa where Atiku hails from, the state is under the control of the PDP today. I don’t see Atiku defeating Governor Fintiri. After all, Fintiri defeated Atiku’s candidate, Aisha Binani, in 2023,” Sheriff said.
He added that Atiku’s political movement, including any effort through the ADC, stood little chance in other Northern strongholds, such as Bauchi State, where Governor Bala Mohammed remains firmly in control.
“Do you think Atiku’s ADC will defeat Bala Mohammed in Bauchi? Bala defeated Atiku’s sponsored candidate, Sa’idu Abubakar, in 2023. That tells you all you need to know,” he concluded.
Sheriff’s remarks come amid rising political activities and speculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties begin early maneuvers to position themselves strategically across the geopolitical zones.