Saraki Withdraws from 2027 Presidential Race, Backs Southern Candidate
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has announced he will not run in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, endorsing the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone the presidency to the South.
Saraki, a former PDP presidential aspirant, revealed his stance during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday. He acknowledged his past ambitions but emphasized the need for political fairness after the 2023 elections.
Why Saraki Stepped Aside
Saraki admitted he once considered running for president but said the PDP’s post-2023 consensus on power rotation influenced his decision.
“I won’t lie—I had presidential ambitions,” he said. “But after the 2023 election, we agreed it’s only fair to let the South complete eight years in office.”
The PDP had resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move Saraki fully supports. “I was among those who backed this decision, so I’ve ruled out running,” he stated.
Defending PDP’s 2023 Decision
Saraki addressed criticism over his support for Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s northern candidate in 2023. He clarified that the party’s rules at the time allowed candidates from any region to contest.
“In 2023, the party’s final decision was open to all candidates,” he explained. “But discussions on fairness must consider historical power distribution. If you look at the numbers, the North has had fewer years in power than the South.”
PDP Leadership Crisis & Kwara Politics
Saraki also weighed in on the PDP’s internal leadership struggles, insisting that the party’s national chairmanship should remain with the North Central zone. This follows a “gentleman’s agreement” after former chairman Iyorchia Ayu’s exit.
“There was a heated debate—some wanted legal action, but we agreed to uphold the deal,” he said. “The North Central should complete its tenure before the next convention.”
Regarding Kwara State’s 2027 governorship race, Saraki confirmed the PDP would not zone the ticket. “We’re keeping it open—let the best candidate win,” he said. “Opposition parties must prioritize competence over zoning.”
Nigeria’s Shifting Political Priorities
Saraki downplayed identity politics, noting that Nigerian voters—especially the youth—are increasingly focused on competence rather than ethnicity or religion.
“Young people want capable leaders—Christian or Muslim, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We’re moving toward a system where ability trumps division.”
Saraki’s withdrawal signals a strategic shift in the PDP’s 2027 plans, reinforcing the party’s commitment to regional power rotation. His endorsement of a southern candidate could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next election.
— Reported by Nexio News
