Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has stated that Nigeria should prioritise the credibility of its president rather than their regional origin.
For several months, debates have persisted over the possibility of power returning to the northern part of the country in 2027. Advocates for a southern presidency argue that the region, where President Bola Tinubu hails from, should be allowed to complete eight years in office before any power shift to the north.
However, Shekarau dismissed these regional debates as irrelevant to effective governance.
“All political parties should focus on presenting well-prepared plans and fielding their best candidates,” Shekarau said during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
“For Nigerians, the concern should be, ‘Let’s assess the candidates produced by the parties.’ The challenge is ensuring that the parties give us credible options. If all they provide are poor candidates, we’ll simply choose the least harmful among them.”
‘A Clear Message to Government’
Shekarau also commented on the state of the nation, urging President Tinubu’s administration to address the grievances expressed by Nigerians during recent protests.
“The recent protests against bad governance were a clear message,” he said. “This agitation wasn’t a regional or state affair—it was a national issue. It’s a direct signal to the President and the Federal Government. Nigerians are saying, ‘Go back to the drawing board and reassess what you’re delivering to us.’”
The protests, which began on 1 August, were sparked by widespread frustration over harsh economic conditions following the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
While the demonstrations initially unfolded peacefully, they escalated into violence, resulting in the destruction of property, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Shekarau’s remarks underscore the urgent need for the government to address citizens’ concerns and implement policies that alleviate their hardships.