Gov Zulum Reveals Agreement On Presidency After Tinubu’s Second Term

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said political power is expected to return to Northern Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu completes his second term in office.

Zulum made the statement in Kaduna on Sunday after an engagement with Northern women Ulama and Islamic scholars.

The governor said the understanding was part of the political arrangement that paved the way for Tinubu’s emergence as president in 2023.

According to him, Northern political leaders agreed to support the South during the current presidential cycle, with the expectation that the presidency would return to the North after Tinubu’s tenure.

Similar Positions from Northern Leaders
Zulum’s position aligns with comments previously made by other senior northern politicians on the 2031 presidency.

Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, had said in February 2025 that the presidency would return to the North after Tinubu completes his eight-year tenure.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, also said in September 2025 that northerners should wait until 2031 before seeking the presidency.

Zulum, however, presented the arrangement as part of a broader understanding between political leaders from the North and South, designed to promote political stability and strengthen national unity.

“About five years ago, we decided to ensure unity in Northern Nigeria, and we have achieved our objective,” Zulum said.

The governor recalled that northern leaders played a major role in supporting Tinubu’s emergence during the 2023 presidential election.

He maintained that the political understanding reached at the time should be respected, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general election.

Call for Unity and Patience
Zulum urged Nigerians not to allow political disagreements to weaken the country or create divisions between regions.

He said the North had benefited from political power in the past and should respect the decision to allow the South to complete its current tenure.

The governor also appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with the Tinubu administration as it addresses insecurity, poverty and other challenges confronting the country.

He said northern leaders had used recent meetings to discuss insecurity, poverty and the growing number of out-of-school children.

Zulum stressed that the discussions were not limited to political matters, adding that the region must address its social and economic challenges alongside political concerns.

Role of Women
The governor spoke on the importance of women in maintaining peace within families and communities.

“Women should be given the opportunity to nurture their children so they can live in peace,” he said.

Zulum urged the women at the Kaduna meeting to take the message of peace and unity back to their states.

He noted that women account for between 60 and 65 per cent of votes cast in Borno State and urged them to use their influence to promote peaceful participation during elections.

‘I Speak From the Heart’
The governor called for patience among Nigerians frustrated by the country’s current economic and security challenges.

Referring to Islamic teachings on perseverance, he said: “Whenever God tests us with a trial, patience is necessary before relief comes.”

“I speak from the heart, not out of fear of anyone, but in the name of God,” Zulum said.

He expressed confidence that justice would eventually prevail and called on political leaders to put the interests of the country above personal ambitions.

Zulum also commended the organisers of the Kaduna engagement and encouraged similar meetings across northern states, saying religious and community leaders have a major role in promoting peace and responsible political participation.