Former Senate President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bukola Saraki, has ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential election, declaring that he will instead wait until 2031 in deference to the country’s zoning arrangement.
Saraki said his decision was guided by the principle of political equity and the need to allow the South complete its eight-year turn at the presidency before power rotates back to the North.
Speaking on the development, the former Kwara State governor maintained that the South, which produced the president in 2023, deserves to complete its tenure unchallenged.
“I’m not contesting in 2027 because I believe that it’s only fair that the South came in 2023 and let them finish in 2027,” Saraki said. “In 2031, there is no ambiguity for those of us that come from the North.”
He further argued that any attempt by a northern aspirant to contest in 2027 could undermine political stability and erode support from southern stakeholders.
“In 2027, I’m not going to contest because we will not get the sympathy of those in the South; they have four years and there’s another four, let them finish and go,” he added.
Saraki stressed that by 2031, the issue of zoning would be clearer and less contentious, with the North expected to reclaim the presidency without dispute.
“So when it comes to 2031, God sparing our lives and giving us good health, it’s North as opposed to anything that gives anybody an excuse that in 2031 those from the North want to contest, those from the South want to contest,” he said.
The PDP stalwart’s remarks come amid early political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several politicians across party lines already indicating interest in the presidency.
Saraki’s position is expected to influence ongoing debates within political circles, particularly regarding zoning, power rotation, and regional balance in Nigeria’s fragile political landscape.
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