Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called for the continued rotation of Nigeria’s presidency between the northern and southern parts of the country, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year presidential cycle before power returns to the North in 2031.

Yusuf made the position known on Sunday at the Kano State Government House while unveiling 50 vehicles donated by Niger Delta businessman and political figure Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, to support grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor's comments place the question of presidential power rotation firmly among the issues likely to shape political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yusuf: Let the South Complete Its Two-Term Cycle

According to Yusuf, the principle of rotational presidency should give both the North and South an opportunity to produce a president for two consecutive terms.

He argued that allowing an administration to complete two terms would provide sufficient time to implement major policies, programmes and development projects.

Yusuf therefore called on northern political stakeholders and presidential hopefuls to exercise patience, saying the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year period before presidential power returns to the North in 2031.

The governor linked his position to the eight-year presidency of former President Muhammadu Buhari, after which power shifted to the South following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's election in 2023.

Rotational Presidency and National Unity

Yusuf described rotational presidency as a mechanism for promoting fairness, equity, mutual trust and a sense of belonging among Nigeria's diverse regions.

He argued that giving different parts of the country opportunities to produce the president could help strengthen national cohesion and political confidence among competing regional interests.

The North-South rotation being discussed by Yusuf is a political understanding rather than a constitutional requirement; Nigeria's Constitution does not prescribe that the presidency must alternate between the two regions.

50 Vehicles Unveiled for Kano Mobilisation

The governor's remarks came during an event where 50 vehicles donated by Tompolo were unveiled to support political mobilisation in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections.

The vehicles are expected to support political structures and grassroots mobilisation activities across the state's local government areas.

The donation forms part of activities by the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, which has been mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid in different parts of the country.

Call for Issue-Based Campaigns

Beyond the question of presidential rotation, Yusuf also called on political parties and their supporters to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged politicians to focus on policies, programmes, achievements and development plans instead of personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of undermining peace.

The governor said political engagement should prioritise the unity, peace and development of Kano State and Nigeria above partisan differences.

2027 Politics and the 2031 Question

Yusuf's comments introduce another dimension to the 2027 presidential debate, particularly for northern politicians considering presidential bids.

Under the governor's argument, the immediate political contest should allow President Tinubu, who was elected in 2023, to seek a second term, after which presidential power would return to the North in 2031.

Whether other political actors and voters accept that regional rotation should determine the timing of presidential ambitions remains part of the wider political debate ahead of the 2027 elections.

For now, Yusuf's position adds to the growing discussion around power rotation, political zoning and the competing interests that are likely to shape Nigeria's next presidential election.