Saraki Declares No Presidential Ambition for 2027, Backs Southern Zoning
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has unequivocally stated he will not be a contender in the 2027 presidential election. His decision, announced during an appearance on 'Politics Today,' stems from a strong conviction to uphold the principle of zoning the nation's highest office to the southern part of the country.
“No, I’m not running for president in 2027,” Saraki affirmed, effectively laying to rest speculation about his future political aspirations for the nation's top seat.
Upholding Fairness: The Rationale Behind Saraki's Stance
While acknowledging his long-held ambition to lead Nigeria, Saraki elaborated that his present decision is deeply rooted in political fairness and the consensus reached within his party following the 2023 general election.
“I do, I do, I would not lie if I say I don’t,” he confessed regarding his presidential ambition. “But after the 2023 election… having Nigeria choose to elect President Bola Tinubu from the South, I think we felt that, look, it’s only fair to allow the South to complete eight years.”
He further clarified that his support for zoning the presidency to the South in 2027 was a collective party decision, which he is committed to upholding.
- **Fairness Principle:** Saraki believes it's equitable for the South to complete an eight-year presidential term after the 2023 election outcome.
- **Party Consensus:** His decision aligns with the Peoples Democratic Party’s internal resolution to zone the presidency to the South in 2027.
- **Abiding by Decisions:** He emphasized the importance of adhering to party resolutions, stating he has ruled out contesting to respect this position.
When pressed on whether the presidency should indeed remain in the South for 2027, Saraki reiterated his firm position, highlighting its consistency with the PDP's agreed-upon strategy.
Reflecting on 2023 and Historical Power Dynamics
Recalling the 2023 election cycle, Saraki explained his support for Atiku Abubakar, noting that at the time, the party had opted for an open contest, allowing all qualified aspirants to participate.
Addressing the broader discourse on power rotation, Saraki provided a historical perspective, arguing that statistics show the South has historically held presidential power for a greater number of years than the North.
“If you do the mathematics… there are fewer years that the North has been in power than the South. The numbers support those who chose to run,” he stated, implying that the party's current stance on zoning reflects a balance informed by post-election realities.
Focus on Kwara: Governance, Welfare, and Security Concerns
Beyond national politics, Saraki also shed light on his renewed political engagements within Kwara State, his home state. He asserted that his activities are driven by profound concerns over governance standards and the welfare of Kwara residents.
“It’s not that I want to win Kwara by all means. I’ve been closer to the people… and I’ve seen the pain they’ve gone through,” he shared, lamenting what he perceives as governmental missteps and unmet expectations, including challenges with hardship and insecurity.
As a seasoned political leader, Saraki expressed a deep sense of responsibility to champion efforts aimed at improving governance in Kwara State through the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“As a responsible leader, I hold it as my responsibility to do my best to ensure they have the best type of governance, which I believe the PDP, through our candidates, can provide,” he added.
Saraki did not shy away from criticizing the current security landscape in Kwara, attributing it to localized governance failures rather than merely broader national trends. “I believe that, based on the period when I was governor, this situation was not like this,” he contended, suggesting that the state government has "taken its eye off the ball," making Kwara vulnerable to criminal elements.
A History of Presidential Aspirations
Saraki's declaration marks a significant moment for a politician who has previously made multiple attempts to secure the presidency. His past bids include:
- **2023:** Contested the PDP primaries but ultimately lost to Atiku Abubakar.
- **2019:** Ran for the presidential ticket.
- **2011:** Briefly declared his interest before stepping down in favor of a consensus candidate.
His current decision, therefore, represents a strategic shift, prioritizing party unity and regional equity over personal ambition for the 2027 electoral cycle.