Ali Modu Sheriff Says Atiku Should Wait Till 2031 For Presidency

Former Borno governor Ali Modu Sheriff has told Atiku Abubakar to wait until 2031 if he wants another run at the presidency, arguing that Nigeria’s informal power rotation should keep the office in the South for 2027.

Sheriff, an APC chieftain, made the comments during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday. He said the North had just completed eight years in power under former President Muhammadu Buhari and should not expect to take the office back immediately.

He said Atiku was qualified and respected in the North, but insisted that the timing was wrong. In his words, Atiku is “on his own” because “it is the turn for the South.”

Sheriff also said President Bola Tinubu would win re-election, though he added that the APC should still work hard and avoid complacency before the vote.

The former governor also dismissed Peter Obi’s chances under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, saying he did not believe northern voters would support Obi even with Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate.

The comments add another layer to early 2027 positioning, especially inside northern political circles where opposition leaders are still weighing alliances and possible tickets.

Sources: Vanguard; Daily Post; Channels TV