Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the best candidate from Southern Nigeria to lead the country beyond 2027.
Ganduje made this statement in Abuja while hosting a delegation of youth leaders from Northern Nigeria. The delegation represented all the 19 states in the northern part of the country and visited him to discuss national unity, youth participation in politics, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
During the meeting, the former Kano State governor dismissed claims that the North may oppose President Tinubu’s re-election in the next general election. He described such claims as false and misleading.
“There is no better candidate to govern Nigeria beyond 2027 from the southern Nigeria than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ganduje said.
In recent months, there have been growing debates and speculations about the 2027 presidential election. Some political analysts and commentators have suggested that the North may support another candidate rather than Tinubu when the time comes.
However, Ganduje warned those holding such views that they were making a serious mistake by underestimating the political thinking of Northern voters.
“Pertaining to the next election in 2027, those that are nursing or thinking otherwise that the north will vote another candidate other than Asiwaju are making a big mistake,” he stated.
According to him, the North understands the importance of political agreements, national unity, and continuity in governance. He said these factors would play a major role in determining voting patterns in the next election.
Ganduje said President Tinubu stands out because of his long history in Nigerian politics and his commitment to democracy.
“This is the first time Nigeria as a nation is lucky to have a politician as president,” he said. “His constituency is politics, his upbringing is politics because he believes in the unity of this country.”
He explained that Tinubu’s political journey did not begin overnight, noting that the president has been involved in political struggles for decades, both in government and outside it.
President Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, is widely regarded as one of the key figures in the formation of modern Nigerian politics. He played a major role in the creation of the APC, which defeated the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.
Ganduje also recalled Tinubu’s role during Nigeria’s military era, when many politicians and activists fought for the return of democratic rule.
“In fact, he struggled; he was even in exile for democracy to survive in Nigeria,” Ganduje said.
During the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha, Tinubu was among the leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a group that opposed military rule and demanded the restoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola.
Many NADECO leaders were arrested, forced into exile, or harassed by the military government. Tinubu spent years outside the country before returning after democracy was restored in 1999.
Ganduje said this history shows Tinubu’s commitment to democracy and national unity, qualities he believes are needed to govern Nigeria.
The former APC chairman also spoke about the informal political understanding that guided the transition of power between the North and South in recent years.
He recalled that before the election of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, political leaders within the APC agreed that power would return to the South after Buhari completed two terms in office.
Buhari, a northerner, ruled Nigeria for eight years from 2015 to 2023. Tinubu, a southerner from Lagos State, emerged as president in 2023.
According to Ganduje, this arrangement was respected and should continue to be honoured.
“Asiwaju has only been there for less than four years now,” he said, noting that Tinubu deserves the opportunity to complete his time and continue his programmes.
Ganduje pointed to the reforms introduced by President Tinubu since taking office, saying they show that the administration is focused on improving Nigeria’s economy and society.
“We have seen the measures, the reforms that he undertook,” Ganduje said. “The reforms that he introduced in order to improve the socio-economic development of this country.”
Since assuming office, Tinubu’s government has introduced major economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and reforms in the foreign exchange system. While these policies have been controversial and brought short-term hardship, the government insists they are necessary to fix long-standing problems in the economy.
Supporters of the administration argue that the reforms are aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs, and strengthening public finances.
Ganduje’s meeting with Northern youth leaders also focused on the role of young people in politics and governance. He urged them to remain committed to national unity and peaceful political engagement.
Nigeria has a young population, with millions of youths eligible to vote in the 2027 elections. Political leaders have increasingly sought to engage young people, who are seen as key to shaping the country’s future.
Ganduje encouraged the youths to support leaders who have experience, a clear vision, and a proven record of service.
Although the 2027 presidential election is still some years away, political discussions have already begun across the country. Analysts say early endorsements and statements like Ganduje’s are part of efforts to shape public opinion and build alliances ahead of the polls.
For now, Ganduje’s message is clear: he believes President Tinubu remains the strongest candidate from the South and enjoys solid support in the North.