The 2027 presidential election is fast approaching, and the debate over the region that should hold the presidency is intensifying. Dr. Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President and ex-Kwara State Governor, has weighed in on the matter, insisting that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027. This stance aligns with his party's zoning arrangement and his own conviction about equity, following the election of President Bola Tinubu from the South in 2023.
Saraki has ruled out any personal ambition for the 2027 presidential race, stating that his position is not driven by self-interest. He has also dismissed suggestions that he should take responsibility for the internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that his reconciliation efforts delayed an earlier breakdown. Instead, he has pointed fingers at the controversial Ibadan convention, which he believes would have worsened divisions within the party if it had gone ahead.
Despite the crisis within the PDP, Saraki remains confident that the party remains viable and capable of competing in future elections. He has also denied allegations of factional alignment within the party, including claims that he is politically aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The call by Dr. Bukola Saraki for the 2027 presidency to remain in the South raises important questions about the country's power dynamics and the role of zoning in Nigerian politics. While Saraki's stance may be driven by a desire for equity, it also highlights the ongoing struggle for power and influence within the PDP. As the party navigates its internal disputes, it remains to be seen whether Saraki's vision for a more equitable distribution of power will prevail. The implications of this debate will be felt across the country, particularly in the South, where the presidency is expected to remain.
