Northern Political Leaders Allegedly Promised Power Transition to Tinubu After Buhari's Tenure

In a bold assertion, Engr. Magaji Da'u Aliyu, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former House of Representatives member from Jigawa State, has stated that Northern political leaders solicited the support of President Bola Tinubu to bolster Muhammadu Buhari's presidential ambitions. This plea, according to Aliyu, came with a commitment that power would revert to the North after Buhari's two-term presidency, a deal that he believes should now be respected as Tinubu gears up for re-election in 2027.

Addressing his supporters in Birnin Kudu, Aliyu emphasized the significance of this political arrangement, which he claims was established when Buhari was struggling to secure the presidency in his previous attempts. “Buhari contested the presidential election three times and lost. We then went to Lagos to beg Tinubu to support Buhari’s presidential ambition,” Aliyu recounted. He added that Tinubu's agreement to support Buhari was contingent upon the understanding that power would shift back to the North after an eight-year tenure.

Aliyu's comments reflect a broader narrative within the APC regarding regional power dynamics and political loyalty. He argued that the North has no justification for opposing Tinubu's candidacy, insisting that honoring the promise made in 2015 is essential for political integrity. “Supporting Tinubu's re-election is not just a political strategy; it's a matter of honoring our word,” he declared.

The implications of this statement resonate within the current political landscape as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. The question of regional equity and adherence to pre-established political agreements remains a contentious issue, particularly as different factions within the party and the country at large vie for influence and power.