The Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, says political power will return to the northern region after President Bola Tinubu completes his second term in office.
Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Bago criticised those already calling for a northern presidency just two years into Tinubu’s tenure, saying such demands are premature and politically hasty.
His remarks come at a time when early political jostling for the 2027 presidential election is beginning to surface across Nigeria, particularly among northern political figures who may be eyeing a return to power in the region.
The “farmer-governor” asked presidential hopefuls of northern extraction to wait until 2031.
“For crying out loud, this man has just spent two years in office, and you want it to come back to the north. How?” he asked.
“When he (Tinubu) finishes his eight years, power will come to the north, and northerners who want to contest can then contest.”
He said there was “no going back” on the plan and restated that the Tinubu campaign headquarters would be in Minna, the Niger state capital.
“I have made myself the DG of Tinubu’s campaign for 2027, and no going back about that. Our headquarters will be in Minna,” he said.
“The president has the prerogative to appoint somebody, but Niger state is ready to lead from the north.”
The governor also opined that the rotational presidency gentleman’s agreement has maintained Nigeria’s fragile political balance, while pledging to mobilise youths and voters across the north for Tinubu.
“These people you are talking about don’t control the youths. We control the youths, and the youths are with Asiwaju,” he added.
“Don’t worry about what people say. As far as we are concerned in Niger state, Asiwaju 2027 is constant.”
Bago assured the president of complete loyalty and support in Niger, adding that there are no dissenting voices in the state.
“In Niger state, there is no dissenting voice. Nigeria coexists peacefully because we have agreed to a rotation; the north will do eight years, the south will do eight years,” he said.
The governor also reiterated his support for the creation of state police, saying it would bring policing closer to the people, and urged Tinubu and the national assembly to urgently pass the bill into law.
Some northern politicians and interest groups are quietly advocating for a power shift back to the North, citing economic and security concerns under Tinubu.
Others in the South-East and South-South believe it’s their region’s turn, pointing to historical marginalisation.
Bago’s strong position is meant to quell intra-party agitation and signal that any breach of the zoning agreement could reignite regional tensions.
